Fig. 7

Matrix stiffness regulates stemness expression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vivo. A Flow chart illustrating the establishment of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice with a mixture of HCCLM3 cells and hydrogel. B Gross appearance of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. C Analysis and comparison of tumor volume. D Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence analysis of NANOG, OCT, YAP, and cytoskeleton. Scale bar = 100 μm (hematoxylin–eosin staining, HE). Scale bar = 50 μm (immunohistochemistry). Scale bar = 20 μm (immunofluorescence). E Quantification of NANOG and OCT4 expression is represented by average optical density. Quantification of YAP:DAPI nuclear co-localization is represented by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. (n = 6 in soft, medium, stiff groups and n = 5 in stiff + VP group)