Figure 2. The effect of miR-16 on HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation.

HUVECs were transfected with control or miR-16 mimic/inhibitor for 48 h. (A) qPCR analysis was performed to examine miR-16 levels. (B) The level of ³H-thymidine incorporation was measured after transfection. (C,D) Representative images were taken at 0 and 24 h to assess the cell migration into the open space (scale bar = 50 μm). Quantification of the percentage of the distance migrated was achieved by measuring these distances in 5 high-power fields. (E,F) Representative images of tube formation (scale bar = 50 μm). Quantification of the vascular tube structure was conducted by measuring the total tubule length in 5 high-power fields. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. *P < 0.05 vs. control mimic/inhibitor group, n = 5.