Fig. 9

a ATF2–3′-UTR-wt and ATF2–3′-UTR-mut were cloned into the luciferase reporter vector. The results of luciferase assays showed that the fluorescence intensity of the ATF2–3′-UTR-wt group was significantly lower than that of the Scramble group after transfection of microRNA-299-5p mimics, but there was no significant difference between ATF2–3′-UTR-mut, empty vector or Scramble groups. b Western blotting showing that microRNA-299-5p mimics could significantly reduce ATF2 protein levels in A549 cells. c qRT-PCR showing that microRNA-299-5p mimics downregulate ATF2 expression in A549 cells. All results are expressed as mean ± SD (*p < 0.05 compared to the Scramble group, ** < 0.01 compared to the Scramble group)