Suppression of Bit1 enhances tumorigenecity of A549 cells <i>in vivo</i>.

<p>A. A549 derived control shRNA and Bit1 shRNA cells (1.0×10⁶) were injected subcutaneously in 8 week old BALB/c nude mice. Tumors were measured periodically with a calliper on the days after injection as indicated. B. and C. Mice were anesthetized and sacrificed on the day 35 after injection. Subcutaneous tumors were surgically excised, and the tumors were then photographed (the representative tumors are shown in (B) and weighed (C). In D and E, tissue sections of control shRNA and Bit1 shRNA xenografts were subjected to TUNEL assay to detect cellular apoptosis. Representative images of TUNEL stained tumor sections are shown in (C). Arrows indicate apoptotic cells characterized by a brown staining. D. TUNEL positive tumor cells in serial sections of control shRNA and Bit1 shRNA tumors were quantified. In C and E, * indicates p<0.05 as compared to control tumors (Student's t test).