Fig. 4
SALL4 is necessary for the maintenance of CSC properties. a Bright-field microscopy images of spheres generated from scramble and shSALL4 TE7 cells after the sphere-formation assay. Original magnification: 200×. b The expression of stemness-related markers (Sox2, Oct4, Nanog) was down-regulated in shSALL4 cells compared with scramble cells in TE7. c The expression of CSC markers SALL4, CD44, CD133 and ALDH1 were up-regulated in TE7 spheres than control adherent cells. d Real-time PCR showing CD44, CD133 and ALDH1 in spheres generated from scramble and shSALL4 TE7 cells. e The sensitivity of shSALL4 TE7 cells to cisplatin was increased in a concentration-dependent manner compared with scramble cells. f The apoptosis rate was enhanced in shSALL4 TE7 cells treated with 10 μg/mL cisplatin. (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001)