Fig. 3

Technical and biological validation of the highest up- and downregulated genes was performed using RT-qPCR. Expression of six downregulated (IGFBP6, CNTFR, WISP2, FRZB, and GADD45A) and four upregulated (IGFBP5, PTGES, TNC, and IGFBP4) genes was measured in n = 10 paired technical and n = 10 paired biological osteochondral explants. Figures show connected paired samples and −ΔCT of each independent sample is depicted by black dots (control) or squares (65%MS) in the graphs. Statistical differences between gene expression in control and 65% mechanically stressed were determined with a linear generalized estimation equation (GEE) with mRNA level as the dependent variable. *P ≤ 0.05; ***P ≤ 0.001. Legend: 65%MS 65% mechanical stress, RT-qPCR reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR