Fig. 3

RSV – GSE suppressed proliferation, induced apoptosis and suppressed sphere formation in colon CSCs similar to that of sulindac. a Anti-proliferative effect of RSV-GSE in colon CSCs. RSV-GSE induced apoptosis in CSCs (b, c) similar to that of sulindac. CSCs were treated with sulindac (6.25, 12.5 and 25 μg/mL) or RSV-GSE (RSV - 9 μM and GSE 6.25, 12.5 and 25 μg/mL) for 24 h and BrdU assay was performed to assess proliferation. TUNEL assay was performed based on manufacturer protocol (Roche) and the results are expressed as per cent apoptosis. Cells fluorescing bright green due to fragmented DNA indicate apoptotic cells. Pictures taken on fluorescence microscope at 20× magnification. Representative pictures are shown for Control, RSV-GSE at 9 μM and 12.5 μg/mL respectively and sulindac at 12.5 μg/mL. d-e, Sphere formation was assessed as described in methods. Representative images taken from the sphere formation assay are presented. Results were expressed as mean ± S.E. for three experiments at each time point. Means that differ by a common letter (a, b, c, d, e, f) differ at p < 0.05