FIGURE 6.

A Phlpp inhibitor increases Fgf18 expression and matrix production in chondrocytes. A, ATDC5 cells were treated with okadaic acid (Oka), increasing concentrations of the Phlpp inhibitor NCS 117079, or vehicle (DMSO) for 24 h. Western blotting was performed as indicated. B, ATDC5 micromass cultures were cultured in the presence of 25 μm of the Phlpp inhibitor NCS 117079 or vehicle (DMSO). Cultures were fixed and stained with Alcian blue. C, ATDC5 cells were treated with 5 μm NCS 117079 or vehicle (DMSO) for 24 h. Relative expression levels of Fgf18 were assayed by real time PCR. *, p < 0.05 compared with control. These experiments were performed three times with data from a representative experiment shown.