Fig. 5

MiR-509-3p overexpressing mice develop larger tumors that have a higher propensity to form distant metastases. A Colon from mice orthotopically injected with stable HCT116-miR-509-3p (pre-mir) (N = 7) or HCT116-Empty Vector Control (N = 4) were assessed after 4 weeks of injection. Overexpression of miR-509-3p resulted in larger tumors showing a greater luciferase flux intensity as compared to the vector control. *p value < 0.05 B Strong to moderate luciferase signals were identified in distant organs (lungs and liver) for all the miR-509-3p (pre-mir) injected mice (N = 7). For the mice injected with vector control, majority of the distant sites (liver and lungs) showed very weak or no luciferase signals