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Fig. 4 | Arthritis Research & Therapy

Fig. 4

From: Proteoglycan-4 regulates fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and expression of fibrotic genes in the synovium

Fig. 4

Stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) in murine synovial fibroblasts isolated from Prg4−/− and Prg4+/+ mice and their relationship to cell migration. Stress fiber formation was probed using an anti-alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibody (green). Vinculin (a marker of FAs) expression was probed using an anti-vinculin antibody (green) and cells were counterstained using rhodamine-labeled phalloidin (cytoskeleton label; red). The impact of rhPRG4 treatment (200 μg/mL) on basal Prg4−/− synovial fibroblast migration was assessed using the scratch assay and the wound closure percentage was determined. To highlight the CD44-dependency of the enhanced basal migration of Prg4−/− synovial fibroblasts, cells were also treated with either an anti-CD44 or isotype control (IC) antibodies (2 μg/mL for both antibodies). *p < 0.001; **p < 0.01; n.s., non-significant. Scale in a = 50 μm (α-SMA) and 100 μm (vinculin); scale in c = 50 μm. a Representative images showing increased stress fibers and FAs in Prg4−/− synoviocytes. b Prg4−/− synoviocytes demonstrated a higher mean FA size than Prg4+/+ synoviocytes. c Representative images showing enhanced basal migration of Prg4−/− synoviocytes compared to Prg4+/+ synoviocytes. d rhPRG4 and anti-CD44 treatments were equally effective in reducing basal migration of Prg4−/− synoviocytes

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