Figure 1.

MUC1 gene silencing inhibits the growth of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro and in vivo. (A) The mRNA level of MUC1 was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and normalized to the internal control, β-actin. ^**P<0.01, compared with the NC. (B) The protein level of MUC1 was detected by western blotting and normalized to the internal control β-actin. Bars represent the relative protein level as calculated by the ratio of MUC1/β-actin. ^**P<0.01, compared with the NC. (C) A clone formation assay was conducted in a 6-well plate. Following incubation at 37°C and 5% CO₂ for 3 weeks, images were captured. (D) SMMC-7721, NC and MR1-D4 cells (2×10⁶ cells) were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice. The tumors of live mice were observed using an in vivo imaging system 5 weeks after injection. MUC1, mucin 1; NC, negative control.