Figure 4
Detection of genes and proteins involved in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. (A) Q-PCR quantification of genes involved in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in BM-PCs cultured on Ti-6Al-4V (control) and on the CaSiO3, Zn-Ca 0.1 and Zn-Ca 0.3 coating surfaces at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days. The results were determined by the comparative CT method (2−ΔΔCT). The bars represent the mean ± SD (n = 3). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. (B) Western blot analysis of the expression of Smad2/3 and phosphorylated Smad2/3 in BM-PCs cultured on Ti-6Al-4V (control) and on the CaSiO3, Zn-Ca 0.1 and Zn-Ca 0.3 coatings for 21 days in the presence or absence of the ALK5 inhibitor SB431542 (10 μM). GAPDH served as an internal control. Negative control: BM-PCs on Ti-6Al-4V with growth medium. Positive control: BM-PCs on Ti-6Al-4V with osteogenic medium.
