Fig. 3

miR-3188 inhibits the growth of HN4 cells and facilitates the apoptosis of HNC cells in vitro. a Transfection of miR-3188 mimics inhibited the growth of HN4 cells by MTT assay. b miR-3188 downregulation increased the growth of HN4 cells by MTT assay. c NFs were transfected with miR-3188 inhibitor, and 24 h later NF-anti-miR-NC and NF-anti-miR-3188 were co-cultured with HN4 cells (1:1) for another 48 h, then the luciferase activity was assessed. d CAFs were transfected with miR-3188 mimics, and 24 h later CAF-miR-NC and CAF-miR-3188 were co-cultured with HN4 cells (1:1) for another 48 h, then the luciferase activity was assessed. EdU incorporation assay (e), colony formation assay (f), apoptotic analysis (g) and cell cycle analysis (h) of HN4 cells were performed after transfection with miR-3188 mimics or inhibitor as indicated. Scale bar = 40 μm. (NC, negative control. ns, no significant difference, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001)