Stromal cell-derived factor-1α regulates chondrogenic differentiation via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in mesenchymal stem cells

Figure 4 Effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1α on cartilage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Representative images of western blot analysis of rat mesenchymal stem cells treated with stromal cell-derived factor-1α. A: No changes in the expression levels of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9), aggrecan, and collagen II were observed; B: Increased expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), collagen X, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) were observed; C: Relative Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen II protein expression; D: Relative RUNX2, collagen X, and MMP13 protein expression. ^aP < 0.05 vs control (Student’s t-test). ^bP < 0.01 vs control (Student’s t-test). sdf-1α: Stromal cell-derived factor-1α; Sox9: SRY-box transcription factor 9; RUNX2: Runx family transcription factor 2; MMP13: Matrix metalloproteinase 13.