Fig. 2

AQP5 was a direct target of miR-325-3p. a Levels of miR-325-3p in normal liver tissues (n = 20) and HBV-HCC tissues (n = 20) were detected by qRT-PCR. b Levels of miR-325-3p in HepG2, HepG2.2.15, Huh7 and Huh7–1.3 cells. c Pearson’s correlation analysis of the relative expression levels of miR-325-3p and the relative AQP5 mRNA levels in HBV-HCC tissues. d Schematic representation of AQP5 3′-UTRs showing putative miRNA target site. e mRNA expression of AQP5 was determined by qRT-PCR in Huh7–1.3 and HepG2.2.15 cells transfected with miR-325-3p mimic or miR-NC. f Protein expression of AQP5 was determined by Western blot in Huh7–1.3 and HepG2.2.15 cells transfected with miR-325-3p mimic or miR-NC. g Analysis of the relative luciferase activities of AQP5-WT and AQP5-MUT in Huh7–1.3 and HepG2.2.15 cells. All data are presented as mean ± SEM, n = 6. ***P < 0.001 vs. normal tissues; ^## p < 0.01, ^### p < 0.001 vs. HepG2, Huh7 or miR-NC