Total cell number counting, BrdU incorporation, cell cycle analysis, TUNEL, Annexin V, foci formation, soft agar colony formation assay, 3D-matrigel culture, in vitro cell motility (migration, invasion and wound healing) assays and tumorsphere formation assay were carried out as previously described [55 (link)–57 (link)]. All the images were taken using a phase microscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). The CD133 positive population in HCC cells was examined by using PE-conjugated monoclonal mouse anti-human CD133/1 (AC133, Miltenyi Biotec; Auburn CA).
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