Fig. 6

SULT2B1 knockdown and oxysterols suppressed PI3K/AKT signaling in human primary stomach epithelial cells. Human primary stomach epithelial cells (HPSECs) were transfected with control-siRNA or SULT2B1-siRNA for 48 h. a The mRNA levels of genes involved in gastric epithelial function were measured by qRT-PCR. b Immunofluorescent staining of claudin-1 [36] in HPSECs transfected with control-siRNA or SULT2B1-siRNA for 48 h. The nuclei were revealed by DAPI staining (blue). c The CCND1, CLND1 and CDH1 protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting. d After being transfected with control-siRNA or SULT2B1-siRNA for 48 h, the HPSECs were stimulated by EGF (100 ng/mL) for 20 or 90 min. The phosphorylation levels of AKT were detected by Western blotting. The p-AKT/t-AKT ratios are plotted. e The HPSECs were pretreated with 1 μmol/L of 24(R/S),25-EC or 27HC for 12 h and then treated with EGF (100 ng/mL for 20 or 90 min. The phosphorylation levels of AKT were detected by Western blotting. The p-AKT/t-AKT ratios are plotted. f HPSECs were treated with 1 μmol/L 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC for 12 h. The CCND1, CLND1 and CDH1 protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01