Fig. 6

MORF4L1 is expressed at higher levels in HCC and promotes stem-like characteristics of HCC cell lines in vitro. A PCR was employed to assess the relative expression of MORF4L1 mRNA in 65 pairs of HCC and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. B and C Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the protein expression levels of MORF4L1 in HCC and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. D The relative mRNA and protein expression levels of MORF4L1 were determined in eight HCC cell lines and one normal liver cell line(HHL5). E Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to verify the efficiency of MORF4L1 knockdown and overexpression. F–H Plate cloning, CCK8, and EdU assays were utilized to assess cell proliferation capabilities. I Transwell assay was used to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities. J Representative images of spheroids formed by HCC cells with MORF4L1 knockdown, MORF4L1 overexpression, and their control cells. Scale bar: 50 μm. K mRNA expression levels of cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers changed in the indicated cells. L Results from limiting dilution assays in the indicated cells. M Cell viability assays were conducted on the indicated cells with varying concentrations of lenvatinib. Untreated cells served as the baseline with 100% viability