Figure 6. Mechanical loading promotes Piezo1 expression in osteoblasts.
(a, b) QRT-PCR analysis of Piezo1 mRNA level (a) and Western blotting analysis of Piezo1 protein level (b) in bone tissues from the groups of mice with the indicated treatment conditions. Ex, Exercise. Ctrl-Piezo1fl/fl group, n = 4; Ex-Piezo1fl/fl group, n = 5; Ctrl-Piezo1Ocn/Ocn group, n = 3; Ex-Piezo1Ocn/Ocn group, n = 4. (c) QRT-PCR analysis of Alp, Bglap and Col1α1 mRNA levels in bone tissues collected from the groups of mice as indicated above. (d, e) QRT-PCR analysis of Piezo1 mRNA level (d) and Western blotting analysis of Piezo1 protein level (e) in osteoblasts isolated from Piezo1fl/fl and Piezo1Ocn/Ocn mice under control (Ctrl) and fluid shear stress (FSS) conditions. (f) QRT-PCR analysis of Alp, Bglap and Col1α1 mRNA levels in osteoblasts isolated from the indicated mice under Ctrl and FSS conditions. (g) Representative images of Alp staining in osteoblasts isolated from the indicated mice under Ctrl and FSS conditions. Scale bar: 1 cm. All data are the mean ± s.e.m. from three independent experiments. *, p<0.05; **, p<0.01; ***, p<0.001.