Figure 5.

Targeting DKK-1 activity by the combination of miR-152 mimic and melphalan sensitizes MM cells to apoptosis. Flow cytometry assays were performed using Annexin V-FITC and PI to show the apoptotic cells in MM.1S or OPM-2 cells treated with NT control, miR-152 mimic or melphalan in different combinations. (A) miR-152 mimic in conjunction with melphalan induced noticeable apoptotic effects in the MM cells compared with either agent alone in both cell lines (B) Quantitative estimation of percent apoptotic cells from 3 independent experiments. Statistical significances at *p<0.05 vs. mimic or NT Ctrl and **p < 0.001 vs. mimic or melphalan and/or NT Ctrl. (C) MM.1S and OPM-2 cells were transfected with 100 nM of miR-152 mimic or NT Ctrl for 48 h, exposed to 5 µM of melphalan, cultured for 24 h, and the lysates were detected for the cleavage of PARP (c-PARP) proteins by Western blotting. Bands showing the cleavage of PARP in MM.1S or OPM-2 cells treated with specific agents are as indicated. The band intensity of c-PARP was normalized against that of β-actin and the ratios (Mean ± SD) were shown at the WB band bottom for 3 independent assay.