(A) mRNA was extracted from liver in mice infected with
CMV-empty control viruses, CMV-KLF4, CMV-myocardin, or mice coinjected with
myocardin and KLF4 viruses. Expression levels of myocardin and KLF4 were
measured by real-time PCR to document that delivery of these genes was
successful. Data were normalized to levels of 18S expression.
(B) LacZ staining from
SM-MHC-LacZ–transgenic mice injected as in
A. For each panel in B, the top left image
shows hearts expressing SMC-specific LacZ staining in coronary arteries
(ca), and the top right image shows cross-sections taken from these mice
displaying SMC-specific LacZ staining in the media (m) of aortas. The
endothelial layer (e) and adventitia (adv) are labeled. The media exhibit
mosaic staining, which is typical for
SM-MHC–transgenic mice. The bottom image in
each panel shows staining for the presence of LacZ in mouse liver.
(C) mRNA levels of α-SMA and
SM-MHC were measured by real-time RT-PCR, and SRF
binding to CArG box chromatin of these genes was measured by ChIP, in livers
of mice injected with the indicated corresponding adenoviruses.