Fig. 4

Characterization of SN12C spheroid cells and adherent cells by cell growth curve, clone formation assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay. a The growth curves of spheroid cells and adherent cells for 7 days. Spheroid cells proliferate at a significantly (P < 0.05) greater rate than adherent cells. The experiment has been repeated twice. b1, b2 An increase clone formation in cell was observed and measured in spheroid cells when compared with the adherent cells. Bar = 25 μm. c1, c2 The transwell invasion tests showed that spheroid cells resulted in an increased migration rate when compared with the adherent cells. Bar = 25 μm. d1, d2 Spheroid cells recovered ‘scratch’ made by 200 μL pipette tip after 24 h more efficient than their adherent cells. * Significant differences were detected between aggressive growth patterns of spheroid cells and adherent cells. Experiments were repeated three times with similar results