Figure 3.

Fibronectin mediates Ang II-stimulated protein expression of cIAP2, collagen type I, and AT1R in cardiac fibroblasts. (A) Cardiac fibroblasts were transiently transfected with fibronectin siRNA (20 pmol) or control (scrambled) siRNA prior to treatment with Ang II for 12 h. cIAP2 protein expression was examined, with β-actin as loading control. Validation of fibronectin silencing is also shown. * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the Figure). (B) Cardiac fibroblasts were transiently transfected with fibronectin siRNA (20 pmol) or control (scrambled) siRNA. Following treatment of cells with 25 µM H₂O₂ for 3 h, the cells were collected, and levels of procaspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 3 were determined, with β-actin as loading control. Validation of fibronectin silencing and associated changes in cIAP2 levels are also shown. ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the figure). (C,D) Cardiac fibroblasts were transiently transfected with fibronectin siRNA (20 pmol) or control (scrambled) siRNA prior to treatment with Ang II for 12 h. (C) Collagen type 1 protein expression was examined with β-actin as loading control. Validation of fibronectin silencing is shown. ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the Figure). (D) AT1R protein expression was examined, with β-actin as loading control. Validation of fibronectin silencing is shown. ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the Figure). Data are representative of three independent experiments, n = 3. Mean ± SEM.