Hsc70 is critical for cancer cell survival.

<p>(A) Knockdown of Hsc70 decreased cancer cell viability. HT29 cells were transfected with siRNA for <i>Hsc70</i> or scramble control. At 48 h after transfection of siRNA, cells were subjected to serum starvation or were treated with 5-FU at the indicated concentration for 48 h. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay. Data points represent the mean ± S.D. (n = 5). (B) Effect of Hsc70 knockdown on cellular morphology. Hsc70 or control knockdown cells were treated the same as in <i>A</i>. Phase-contrast images of cells under serum-fed or serum-free conditions 24 h after treatments. Scale bar, 200 µm. (C) Hsc70 knockdown induced compensatory expression of Hsp72. At 48 h after transfection of siRNA, Hsc70 knockdown or control cells were subjected to serum depletion for 6, 12, or 24 h. After cell lysis, Hsc70 and Hsp72 were detected by immunoblotting. SD, serum depletion.