Fig. 4

MiR-203a-3p inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in NPC in vivo . SUNE1 cells stably overexpressing miR-203a (Lenti-miR-203a) or negative control empty pSin-EF2-vector (Lenti-vector) were subcutaneously injected into right flank of each nude mouse (n = 6). A photograph of nude mice carrying tumors a. Volumes of all tumors were detected every 3 days b. SUNE-1 cells stably overexpressing miR-203a (Lenti-miR-203a) or negative control empty lenti-vector (Lenti-vector) were intravenously injected via the tail vein and the formation of lung metastases was assessed after 8 weeks. Representative images c and quantification d of macroscopic metastatic nodules on the lung surface. Representative images e and quantification f of microscopic metastatic nodules in lung tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (×100). Data are presented as mean ± S.D.; ** P < 0.01 compared with the Lenti-vector group, Student’s t-test