Fig. 1.

Cholesterol protects CRC cells against radiation challenge both in vitro and in vivo. (A–E) The effects of cholesterol (2 µm) on the proliferation of HCT‐8 and HT‐29 cells were assessed by CCK‐8, colony formation and EdU incorporation assays following 6 Gy γ‐ray radiation challenge. Scale bars = 125 μm. An EdU incorporation assay was performed at 24 h after 6 Gy γ‐ray irradiation. (F, G) Weight and a photograph of HCT‐8 tumors from nude mice after total 12 Gy γ‐ray irradiation. (H) The expression of Ki‐67 and p27 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining in HCT‐8 tumors from nude mice. Scale bars = 125 μm. The p27 positive area was analyzed using image‐pro plus. Data are shown as the mean ± SD. Statistical significance: ^* P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001, Student’s t‐test.