Smad3 KD significantly reduced Adamts1 (A) and Adamts5 (B) mRNA expression levels. In contrast, Smad2 KD had no effects on Adamts1 expression and accentuated Adamts5 synthesis (A–B). Smad2 KD increased expression of MMP1a (C), and MMP2 (D). In contrast, Smad3 KD had no effects on MMP1a expression, and reduced MMP2 levels (C–D). Smad2 and Smad3 KD significantly increased MMP14 expression (E). TIMP3 levels were markedly reduced following Smad3 KD (F). (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001, vs. control (C), n=4/group, ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test).