Fig. 3. CircRNF121 mediates OA progression.
a The expression of circRNF121 was identified after transfection of various sicircRNAs by q-PCR. The RNF121 expression was detected by q-PCR in treated chondrocytes. b Representative proteins, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, type II collagen, and aggrecan were analyzed in treated chondrocytes by western blot. c, d Ki-67 immunofluorescence staining and CCK-8 proliferation assay were used to identify the proliferative capability of chondrocytes after transfecting with circRNF121 or sicircRNA-2. e Apoptosis of chondrocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. Viable and nonviable apoptotic cells are regarded as apoptotic cells. f Cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels were measured by western blot. Data were means ± SD of three independent assays (*P < 0.05).