Figure 2.

Effect of Panx3 deletion on expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and aggrecanase genes in the IVD. Analysis of Acan, Vcan, Col1a1, Col2a1, Adamts4 and Adamts5 gene expression in thoracic IVDs from 6, 12, 19 or 24-month-old WT and Panx3^-/- mice. Gene expression was determined by relative quantification with values normalized to that of the Rps29 housekeeper and expressed relative to age-matched WT controls. Data are presented as mean ± 95% CI (* indicates p < 0.05, Welch’s t-test; n = 4–8 mice per group, 6–8 IVDs pooled per mouse). Values corresponding to each experimental animal are indicated by individual data points on bar graphs.