Fig. 2.

miR-378a-3p expression inhibited HCC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. A qRT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of miR-378a-3p in different HCC cell lines. B HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with miR-378a-3p mimic, mimic-NC, inhibitor, or inhibitor-NC and analyzed by qRT-PCR. C A working model of co-culture. D, E Treated HUVECs were evaluated by the CCK-8 and colony formation assays to analyze cell viability. F, G Wound healing assay and invasion assay were performed, and the numbers of migrating, or invading cells/field were recorded. H miR-378a-3p mimic, mimic-NC, inhibitor, or inhibitor-NC RNA was transfected into HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721 cells for 48 h, and then tube formation assays were performed for HUVECs co-cultured with conditioned medium collected from HCC cells. I Matrigel plugs with treated HCC cells were used to assess angiogenesis potential. J, K Matrigel plugs were collected to perform IHC analysis using anti-CD34 and anti-VEGF antibodies. L The VEGF protein concentration in the conditioned medium of treated HCC cells was detected by ELISA. *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001