This article is currently under investigation. We strongly recommend that this article is not cited until the investigation is completed.
Research Paper Volume 11, Issue 10 pp 3348—3361
circFADS2 protects LPS-treated chondrocytes from apoptosis acting as an interceptor of miR-498/mTOR cross-talking
Figure 9. mTOR inhibition regulates ECM degradation, inflammation, and apoptosis of LPS-treated chondrocytes. LPS-treated chondrocytes were transfected with si-mTOR. (A) qPCR analysis was performed to confirm the mTOR mRNA levels in each group. (B) The protein levels of type II collagen, MMP13, COX-2, IL-6, and mTOR were determined by WB. (C) The IL-6 level in cells was examined by ELISA. (D) The mRNA levels of type II collagen, MMP13, COX-2, IL-6, and mTOR were determined by WB; results are normalized to the expression of GAPDH. (E) CCK8 assay showing that mTOR silencing inhibited cell proliferation of LPS-treated chondrocytes. (F) Flow cytometry analysis showing apoptosis levels in LPS-treated chondrocytes with mTOR silenced. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 vs. LPS group.