Figure 7. Exogenous overexpression of AIM2 suppressed xenotransplant tumor growth in nude mice.

BEL7402 cells and SMMC7721 cells (1 × 10⁷) were subcutaneously injected into the left upper flank of the nude mice. When visible tumor appeared, tumors were injected with 30 ug of AIM2 plasmid or empty vector. (A) The photo of the excised tumors from sacrificed nude mice of AIM2 plasmid transfected group and mock control group. (B) qRT-PCR was performed to detect and compare the AIM2 mRNA in the AIM2 overexpressed group and mock group. ***P < 0.001. (C–D) Statistical analysis of the tumor volume (C) and tumor weight (D) was performed between the AIM2 transfected group and mock group. (E–F) Western blot was performed to detect the activation of mTOR-S6K1 pathway in the AIM2 transfected group and mock group (E). Band intensities were analyzed for the presented bands and statistical differences were shown among indicated groups (F). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ***P < 0.001 for statistical differences in the indicated groups.