Figure 9.

Efficacy of targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles in BALB/c nude mice bearing relapsed tumors induced from AGS-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs). (A) Antitumor efficacy of treatments with 5% glucose, blank targeting nanoparticles, targeting NC siRNA nanoparticles, Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles, or targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles. At 20 d, 22 d, 24 d, 26 d, 28 d, and 30 d post inoculation, the mice received, via tail vein injection, either 5% glucose, blank targeting nanoparticles, targeting NC siRNA nanoparticles, Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles, or targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles at doses of 1 mg/kg siRNA. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 6 mice/group). (B) Changes in body weight of mice bearing relapsed tumors after treatment with the agent indicated. The arrows under X-axis indicate the dates for treatments. (C) Protein levels of Gli1 expression in tumors after treatment were determined using Western blot assay. Three samples per group were analyzed. Protein band intensities were quantified by using Image J software. Data in the bar graph are the mean ± SD. Statistical significance was evaluated.

Notes: ^a-dIndicate p < 0.05 as compared with the treatment groups of 5% glucose, blank targeting nanoparticles, targeting NC siRNA nanoparticles, and Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles, respectively. The arrows under X-axis indicate the dates for treatments. ^a,bIndicate p < 0.05 as compared with the treatment groups of 5% glucose and targeting NC siRNA nanoparticles, respectively.