Figure 3.

Regulation of miR-23a and siAPAF-1 in Hep2 human laryngeal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. (A) miR-23a expression levels of Hep2 cells in different groups. Following transfection of the Hep2 cells by different small RNAs, including miR-23a mimics, miR-23a inhibitor, mimics NC, inhibitor NC and siAPAF-1, the miR-23a expression was measured using RT-qPCR. (B) Effects of miR-23a and siAPAF-1 on Hep2 cell proliferation. Hep2 cells were transfected with the various small RNAs and cell proliferation was detected using an MTT assay. (C) Effects of miR-23a and siAPAF-1 on Hep2 cell colony formation. Hep2 cells were transfected with the various small RNAs and the colony-forming ability was detected using a colony formation assay. (D) and (E) Effects of miR-23a and siAPAF-1 on early and late apoptosis in the Hep2 cells. Hep2 cells were transfected with the various small RNAs and then stained by Annexin V-EGFP, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The apoptotic cells in the different groups were monitored using a flow cytometer. Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation from three independent experiments. *P<0.05. miRNA, microRNA; siAPAF-1, small interfering RNA specific to apoptotic protease activating factor 1; RT-qPCR, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; NC, normal control; lipo, Lipofectamine.