Figure 3

Quantitative real-time PCR for (a) NP-specific and (b) IVD-specific cell marker genes in bovine AC, AF and NP cells. Relative gene expression for (a) bovine nucleus pulposus (NP)-specific marker genes (synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 kDa (SNAP25), cytokeratin (KRT) 8, KRT18, KRT19, N-cadherin (CDH2), sclerostin domain containing 1 (SOSTDC1) and integrin-binding sialoprotein (IBSP)), and (b) intervertebral disc (IVD)-specific cell marker genes (tenomodulin (TNMD), brain abundant, membrane attached signal protein 1 (BASP1), tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6), forkhead box F1 (FOXF1), forkhead box F2 (FOXF2), aquaporin (AQP1) and fibulin 1(FBLN1)), was normalised to the housekeeping gene, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and plotted on a log scale. * statistical significance between NP and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and NP and articular cartilage (AC) cells (P < 0.05). † statistical significance between AF cells and AC cells (P < 0.05).