Fig. 3

CG induced SOX9 upregulation via increased expression BMP4. a Expression of BMP2, BMP4, and TGF-β1 mRNAs in CG-stimulated ASCs. ASCs were loaded with different degrees of CG (0, 300, 600, 1200, and 2400 g) for 15 min. b The duration of BMP4 mRNA expression in CG-stimulated ASCs. c Expression of BMP4 protein in CG-stimulated ASCs. ASCs were centrifuged at 2400 g for 30 min and then harvested at the indicated time points. Expression of BMP4 mRNA and protein was examined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. d BMP4-dependent SOX9 expression in CG-stimulated ASCs. ASCs were stimulated with CG (2400 g for 30 min) and treated with recombinant BMP4 (10 nM) or Dorsomorphin (25 nM). SOX9 protein expression was examined using western blotting. The intensities of the bands in western blots were determined using ImageJ 1.40. BMP bone morphogenetic protein, CG centrifugal gravity, SOX SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box, TGF transforming growth factor