Fig. 5

miR-143, miR-145, and miR-140 induce early apoptosis in OECM-1 cells. (a,b) Annexin-V/PI staining was used to investigate the apoptotic rates of OECM-1 cells after transfection with SC and miR-143/miR-145/miR-140 mimics. A greater population of early apoptotic cells (Annexin-V-FITC+/PI-) can be seen when OECM-1 cells were transfected with the combination of miRNA mimics (17.33 ± 3.36%) as compared to SC (4.33 ± 2.48%). (c) Microscopic images of OECM-1 cells transfected with the 3-miRNa signature and SC. Fragmented nuclei and condensed chromatin can be seen post-transfection of the signature thus confirming the generation of apoptotic bodies.(d) Mitochondrial membrane potential was analysed by JC-1 staining. A reduction in the red/green fluorescence ratio indicates a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells. This was observed in cells transfected with the combination of miR-143/mir-145/miR-140 mimics. All data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; PI, propidium iodide. Error bars represent mean ± SD of three independent experiments (**p ≤ 0.01)