MM cell growth and survival were up-regulated by CS1 overexpression. (A) MM1S cells were transfected with pflagCS1 (MM1S/CS1) or control vector (MM1S). An augmented CS1 protein level in MM1S/CS1 was confirmed by immunoblotting using specific Abs. Cell viability was measured by MTT in panel B (MM1S/CS1 vs MM1S) and panel D (U266CS1 vs U266). Error bars indicate the SE from 3 independent experiments. (C) CS1 expression after transfection with pflagCS1 or control vector in U266 cells. Open histogram represents CS1; solid histogram, isotype control. (E) Cells were plated at the same density at day 0, and cell morphology was demonstrated after 3 days of culture. Images were taken using a Leica DFC300FX with a 20×/0.35 NA objective and Leica IM50 Image Manager (original magnification, ×200).