Figure 1From: TNK2 preserves epidermal growth factor receptor expression on the cell surface and enhances migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells Downregulation of TNK2 by siRNA induces morphological and cytoskeletal changes in human breast cancer cells. (a) MDA-MB-231 cells treated with TNK2-targeting SiRNAs (S1, S3) were observed to undergo morphological changes after transfection relative to the nontargeting SiRNA control (N). These changes consisted of an increased elongated appearance and a reduction in the number of protrusions at the membrane edges. A representative western blot illustrating the downregulation of TNK2 achieved by siRNA (S1, S3) treatment relative to β-actin is shown. (b) The morphology changes observed in TNK2 SiRNA-treated cells were not observed in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with SiRNA directed against breast cancer antioestrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1). (i) Cells transfected with nontargeting (N), TNK2-targeting (S1) and BCAR1-targeting (#3) siRNA. (ii) The morphological changes induced can also be seen as an alteration in the actin fibre network. Staining for F-actin and costaining for the nuclear compartment with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole is shown for cells treated with nontargeting (N), TNK2-targeting (S3) and BCAR1-targeting siRNA (#3). A representative western blot illustrating the downregulation of TNK2 (S1) and BCAR1 (#3) achieved by SiRNA treatment relative to β-actin is shown.Back to article page