Fig 7. Effects of monomeric collagen on SMPC differentiation and cell shape.

qRT-PCR analysis of expression of α-SMA and SM22-α mRNA in BMCs cultured for 10 d on the indicated substrates (A) (* p < 0.01, Bonferroni multiple comparisons test, n = 3). Bone marrow cells were cultured for 10 d in 10% α-MEM media on TCPS followed by re-plating on indicated collagen surfaces for 24 to 72 h. Quantification of α-SMA⁺ cells at indicated period via immunofluorescence microscopy using mouse anti-αSMA antibody and DAPI (B).(* p < 0.05, † p < 0.001, Bonferroni multiple comparisons test, n = 3). Morphometric analysis of cell area (C) and roundness (D) after culture for 24 and 72 h on collagen was achieved. #: roundness is proportional to the ratio of the perimeter squared over the radius squared of the cells, with increasing values representing further deviation from circular.