Mitophagy bridges DNA sensing with metabolic adaption to expand lung cancer stem‐like cells

A

CSCs were stimulated with CpG ODN (10 μg/ml) or control and analyzed for sphere formation and tumorgenicity. Mean ± SEM from six experiments.

B, C

CSCs transfected with mtDNA were analyzed for sphere formation and tumorgenicity. Mean ± SEM from six experiments.

D

CSCs were transfected with two different TLR9 shRNAs or the control, and analyzed for sphere formation and tumorgenicity. Mean ± SEM from six experiments.

E, F

CSCs transfected with DNase II expression vector, DNase II shRNA, or the control was analyzed for sphere formation. Mean ± SEM from six patients.

G

CpG promoted tumor growth of PDX chimeras. Mean ± SEM from six mice.

H

TLR9 inhibitor chloroquine abrogated the effect of CpG on tumor growth in PDX chimeras. Mean ± SEM from six mice.

I

CpG treatment increased the frequency of CD133‐expressing CSCs in PDX chimeras. Mean ± SEM from six mice.

J

Chloroquine impeded the function of CpG in elevating CD133‐expressing CSCs of PDX chimeras. Mean ± SEM from six mice.

Figure 3. Lysosomal mtDNA‐dependent TLR9 promotes CSC expansion.