Fig. 7.

Expression of cathepsin D in AKU chondrocytes. Whole cell protein extracts harvested from healthy human chondrocytes (control, A) and AKU chondrocytes (derived from ochronotic cartilage, B) were resolved through 2D-PAGE. Protein spots corresponding to cathepsin D are indicated with circles and numbers; pI and Mr values are reported in brackets. % relative abundance of each spot, calculated by ImageMaster during image analysis of a triplicate set of gels, is indicated with vertical bars ± standard deviation (C). CTR: control. P value < 0.05. Experiments were performed in triplicate; data are presented as average values ± standard deviation. Representative images from a triplicate set are shown.