Fig. 3. Effect of FBXW11 on maintaining stem-cell-like properties in CRC cells.

HCT116 and SW620 cells were transfected with recombinant lentiviral vectors carrying FBXW11, shRNAs targeting FBXW11, or corresponding controls. A The sphere-forming ability of CRC cells following transfection was evaluated by cultivating one single cell in growth medium for 7 days. The number of spheres (diameter >50 μm) were counted and normalized to the group transfected with empty control lentiviral vector. B Transfected CRC cells were stained with anti-CD44-FITC and anti-CD133-APC antibodies, and then sorted by flow cytometry. The percentage of CD133⁺/CD44⁺ cells in each group was calculated. C The protein expressions of Nanog, ALDH1, and Oct4 were measured by western blotting. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test was used for statistical comparisons among multiple groups.