Fig. 7.

MiR-21 overexpression restores stem cell-like characteristics (GCSC phenotypes) of gastric cancer cells following CBX7 knockdown. a MiR-21 overexpression restores sphere formation of CBX7-depleted gastric cancer cells. Sphere formation in control (Ctrli), CBX7 knockdown (CBX7i), and CBX7i+miR-21 cells was analyzed using oncosphere-initiating medium. b MiR-21 overexpression enhances the migration of CBX7-depleted GC cells. The migratory capacities of Ctrli, CBX7i, and CBX7i+miR-21cells were examined by Transwell migration assay. c MiR-21 overexpression increases the chemoresistance of CBX7-depleted GC cells. Cell viability of Ctrli, CBX7i, and CBX7i+miR-21 cells treated was determined with CCK-8 assay following with exposure to different doses of EPI for 48 h. EPI epirubicin. d MiR-21 overexpression restores the expression of miR-21 target genes (PTEN and P53) in CBX7-depleted cells. The expression of CBX7 and miR-21 target genes (PTEN-AKT, P53) in Ctrli, CBX7i, and CBX7i+miR-21 cells was determined using Western blot analysis. e MiR-21 suppression in CBX7 knockdown cells was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Fold change of miR-21 in Ctrli, CBX7i cells was determined by qRT-PCR assay. Error bars in all panels represent the mean ± SD, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01