Proliferation and survival signalings in PUGNAc-treated NECs. A: The numbers of NECs cultured with or without PUGNAc or a MEK inhibitor, U0126 (8 lM), in the presence of bFGF (5 ng/ml) for 4 days were measured by the WST-8 assay. B: The activation of ERK MAPK in PUGNAc-treated NECs was analyzed by Western blot. After starvation and treatment with or without PUGNAc (100 μM) for 24 hr or U0126 (4 μM) for 2 hr, the NECs were stimulated with bFGF (20 ng/ml) for 10 min and then lyzed for Western blot analysis. C: The numbers of NECs cultured with or without PUGNAc or a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, in the presence of bFGF for 4 days were measured by the WST-8 assay. D: Activation of Akt in PUGNAc-treated NECs was analyzed by Western blot. After starvation and treatment with or without PUGNAc for 24 hr or LY294002 (40 μM) for 2 hr, NECs were stimulated with insulin (20 μg/ml) for 10 min and then lysed for Western blot analysis.