Detection of significantly increased ATG4B transcript and protein expression in CD34⁺ CML cells from IM nonresponders vs IM responders. (A) Comparison of transcript levels of 9 ATG genes in CD34⁺ CML cells from IM responders (n = 14) and IM nonresponders (n = 14). Bars represent the mean of data for each group, and significantly differentially expressed genes between IM responders and IM nonresponders are indicated by P values. (B) Western blotting analysis of ATG4B in CD34⁺ cells obtained from healthy individuals (normal, n = 3), IM responders (R; n = 6), and IM nonresponders (NR; n = 6). Protein expression of ATG4B relative to actin was compared. Values shown are the mean ± SEM of measurements from healthy individuals, IM responders, and IM nonresponders. (C) Cyto-ID green detection dye in CD34⁺ cells from an IM responder (R3) and an IM nonresponder (NR2). Detection of the differences in mean fluorescence intensity of intracellular Cyto-ID green detection dye obtained from 3 IM responders vs 3 IM nonresponders (right). Values shown are the mean ± SEM of measurements from IM responders and IM nonresponders.