Fig 2: TTR overexpression promotes the migration ability of JEG-3 cells in the 24-h migration assay. Transwell migration assay was performed to assess the migration ability of JEG-3 cells with and without TTR overexpression. Cells with or without TTR overexpression were divided into two groups (in the presence or absence of 1 µmol/l L-T4). The invaded cells on the underside of the membrane were enumerated using an inverted microscope in 5 random fields. At ×50 magnification; scale bar, 100 µm. Experiments were performed in triplicate and the results are presented as mean of invaded cells ± SD, ***P<0.001 between the two groups. TTR, transthyretin; L-T4, levothyroxine.

Fig 3: Protein levels of MMP2 and MMP9 in JEG-3 cells transfected with Myc-TTR and empty plasmid were assessed by western blot analysis. The blots shown are representative of three independent experiments. The overexpression of TTR significantly increased the protein level of MMP2 and MMP9. The levels of MMP2 and MMP9 were higher in cells transfected with 3 µg Myc-TTR construct compared with 1 µg. Columns show mean ± SD, ***P<0.001 between groups. TTR 1, the quantity of TTR construct plasmid is 1 µg; TTR 3, the quantity of TTR construct plasmid is 3 µg. MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases.

Fig 4: TTR overexpression promotes the invasion of JEG-3 cells in the 36-h invasion assay. Matrigel-based Transwell invasion assay was performed to assess the invasion ability of JEG-3 with and without TTR overexpression. Cells with or without TTR overexpression were divided into two groups (in the presence or absence of 1 µmol/l L-T4). The invaded cells on the underside of the membrane were enumerated using an inverted microscope in five random fields. At ×50 magnification; scale bar, 100 µm. Experiments were performed in triplicate and the results are presented as mean of invaded cells ± SD, ***P<0.001 between the two groups. TTR, transthyretin; L-T4, levothyroxine.