Fig. 4

Downregulation of PHB expression diminished the migration and invasion of GBC cells in vitro. a The migration capacities of Lv-sh NC and Lv-sh PHB GBC cells were assessed using a wound-healing migration assay. At 0 and 24 h after wounding, representative phase-contrast photomicrographs and wound closure rates are shown. b The inhibitory effect of PHB depletion on GBC cell migration was further substantiated using a transwell migration assay. Representative migrated cell-stained images and the number of migrated cells are shown. c The invasive potentials of Lv-sh NC and Lv-sh PHB GBC cells were evaluated using a transwell invasion chamber assay. Representative invaded cell-stained images and the numbers of invaded cells are shown. d A gelatin zymography assay was conducted to detect active MMP secretion in Lv-sh NC and Lv-sh PHB GBC cells. Representative gelatin images and densitometry values of active MMP bands are shown. e The effect of PHB depletion on MMP-9 synthesis in GBC cells was determined by western blotting analysis. (*p < 0.05 compared with the Lv-sh NC group)