FIG. 4.

Western blot analysis shows no difference in expression of SMC marker proteins and elastolytic MMP2 between unlabeled BM-SMCs and SPION-BM-SMCs. Shown are (A) representative image of western blot with β-actin as loading control and (B) fold changes of band intensities normalized to β-actin relative to ratios obtained for RASMCs (positive control) from n = 3 replicate cultures/condition. Immature SMC-like characteristics of BM-SMCs were retained upon SPION-labeling as determined from high expression of early and midstage markers (SMA and SM22) and weaker expression of terminal differentiation marker (MHC) relative to RASMCs. * indicates significant differences between BM-SMCs or SPION-BM-SMCs versus RASMCs, deemed for p < 0.05. MMP, matrix metalloproteases. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tec