Fig. 4.

Overexpression of miR-181b inhibits CSC characteristics in vivo. Mice were treated with different doses of A549/DDP sphere cells transfected with miR-181b agomir or miR-181b-NC agomir. Representative images illustrating tumour growth (a) and tumour volume (b). c The mRNA level of CD133 was determined by qPCR. d Tumour growth and volume were evaluated after treatment with DDP (3.0 mg kg⁻¹ body weight; i.p., thrice) or PBS (pH 7.4; i.p., thrice). e Immunostaining images showing Notch2 expression. The mRNA levels of Notch2 and miR-181b were determined by qPCR. Mice were treated with A549/DDP sphere cells and then with DAPT or the control. f Images show tumour growth and tumour volume. g, h The mRNA levels of CD133 and Notch2 were measured by qPCR. i PARP and cleaved PARP levels were also ascertained by Western blotting after the indicated treatment. Data are presented as the mean ± SD. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001