Fig. 6: Differentially regulated genes from RNA sequencing data and qRT-PCR validation of selected genes.

a Selected genes showing differential expression in Brn-3b KO aortas (n = 3) compared with WT aortas (n = 2) in RNA sequencing analysis. b qRT-PCR validation of selected genes associated with structural vascular changes including reduced elastin and increased MMP 2. c qRT-PCR validation of genes involved in calcium signalling pathway that were either (i) upregulated or (ii) down regulated in Brn-3b KO mutants when compared with WT controls. d Validated genes encoding chaperone proteins, involved in protection against stress, which were down regulated in Brn-3b KO mutants when compared with WT controls. Variation between RNA samples was adjusted using 36B4 or GAPDH and values are expressed as fold changes relative to reference samples included in each experiment. Data represent mean (±sd) from n = 8–10 independent samples with statistical analysis undertaken using students t test (*p < 0.05).