Regulatory Role of the RUNX2 Transcription Factor in Lung Cancer Apoptosis

Figure 4

Knockdown of RUNX2 affects antiapoptotic marker expression BCL2, BCL-XL, and MCL1. A549 cells were infected with lentiviral particles coding for sh-RNAs against RUNX2. Antiapoptotic gene expression levels: BCL2, BCL-XL, and MCL1. BCL2 (a), BCL-XL (d), and MCL1 (g) mRNA levels were quantified by RT-qPCR 48 h after infection. Statistical analyses were performed with respect to cells infected with the virus generated with the pLKO.1 empty vector (sh-Ctrl.). ; (three independent experiments). Protein levels were analyzed with immunofluorescence assays. BCL-2 protein expression with nuclear localization (b). BCL-XL protein expression with mitochondrial localization (e). MCL1 pattern of mitochondrial protein expression (h). Total cell fluorescence (CTCF) of protein was evaluated () using the software ImageJ 1.52p (c, f, i).

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