Fig. 2.

Versican expression is increased and precedes collagen expression in the early phase of pressure overload. (A) mRNA expression of versican (Vcan, measured using primer pairs targeting all isoforms of Vcan), (B) collagen I alpha 2 (Col1a2), and (C) collagen III alpha 1 (Col3a1) in the left ventricles of mouse hearts at day 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 after aortic banding (AB, n = 8–11) or sham operations (Control, n = 9–10). The absolute quantity of gene expression (copies/μl measured by ddPCR) relative to respective Control at day 1 is presented. Data represent mean ± SD. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons test was used for statistical analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. *P < 0.05 Control vs. AB, ^†P < 0.05 AB vs. day 1 post AB, ^‡P < 0.05 AB vs. day 3 post AB.