Fig. 8

CTGF triggered Cx43/β-catenin signalling to promote cementogenesis. A Co-IP experiments indicated the β-catenin antibody could interact with Cx43 protein. B Double fluorescence staining methods showed Cx43 (Cx43) and β-catenin (green) accumulated at the membranes and cell junctions of hPDLSCs. C Western blotting demonstrated the abundance of the active β-catenin and Cx43 in hPDLSCs transfected with Si-Cx43. D, E Bar chart demonstrated the abundance of Cx43 and active β-catenin in Fig. 8C ratio to the untreated control. Data are obtained from three independent images. n = 3, *p < 0.05. F Western blot for the abundance of the active β-catenin in hPDLSCs treated with Si-Cx43 and CTGF (50 ng/ml). G Western blot for the abundance of the active β-catenin in hPDLSCs treated with Cx43 agonist ATRA and Si-CTGF. H, I Bar chart shows the protein levels of active β-catenin in Fig. 8F, G ratio to the untreated groups. Data are obtained from three independent images. n = 3, *p < 0.05. J Double fluorescence staining methods showed Cx43 (red) accumulated at cell junctions and β-catenin (green) translocated into cell nucleus under the stimulation of CTGF (50 ng/ml), this effect was reverted by Si-Cx43