Figure 5.
Loss of Runx2 reversed MMP13 up-regulation induced by DMM surgery. DMM surgery and Sham operation was performed in 12-week-old male Cre-negative and Runx2 Agc1CreER KO mice. MMP13 expression was analyzed by IHC assay. Increased MMP13 expression was detected and more MMP13-positive cells were located toward articular surface in Cre-negative control mice 8 and 12-weeks after DMM surgery (MMP13-positive cells: red arrowheads). Deletion of Runx2 significantly down-regulated MMP13 up-regulation induced by DMM (scale bar = 100 μm).