Fig. 2

Effect of circ_7042 overexpression on NP cell function. A The expression level of the circ_7042 gene was detected by qPCR. B The expression level of the CDH2 gene was detected by qPCR. C Fluorescence microscopy of cells infected with lentivirus. D The expression level of the circ_7042 gene was detected by qPCR. E The expression level of the CDH2 gene in cells was detected by qPCR. F The expression levels of collagen II, aggrecan, and CDH2 proteins were detected by Western blotting. G–I Statistical quantification results of optical density values of protein bands detected by Western blotting. J The result of β-galactosidase staining. Blue cells represent senescent cells. *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group. ^#P<0.05, ^##P<0.01, the two groups were compared between the wires