Figure 2. Mediator, Cohesin and NIPBL are essential for maintenance of cancer cells properties.
(a) Heat map representation of KEGG pathways enriched for genes occupied by MED1, SMC1A and NIPBL in MCF7, HEPG2 and A549 cells (Fisher’s exact test, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001). (b) Growth curve of MCF7, HEPG2 and A549 following decreased expression of MED1, SMC1A and NIPBL showing a global negative effect on cell growth. Each line represents the average of a minimum of two biological replicates for two independent shRNA constructs. The p-values were calculated by comparing with the shRNA controls at day 8 (paired t-test, *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01). (c) Soft agar colony formation assays with decreased levels of MED1, SMC1A and NIPBL showing a loss of colony formation potential. Colonies were quantified with the ImageJ software using 4 images per well. The bar graph represents the average of a minimum of two biological replicates for two independent shRNA constructs. The p-values were calculated by comparing with the shRNA controls (paired t-test, *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01).