Figure 5.

DDR2 regulates Ang II-stimulated protein expression of AT1R in cardiac fibroblasts. (A) Cardiac fibroblasts were transiently transfected with DDR2 siRNA (5 pmol) or control (scrambled) siRNA prior to treatment with Ang II for 12 h. AT1R protein expression was examined, with β-actin as loading control. Validation of DDR2 silencing is also shown. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the Figure). (B) Cardiac fibroblasts were co-transfected with fibronectin siRNA (10 pmol) and DDR2 cDNA overexpression plasmid (2 µg). Following transfection, the cells were revived in M199 with 10% serum for 12 h. Post-revival, the cells were serum-deprived for 24 h prior to treatment with Ang II for 12 h. Cells were collected, and AT1R protein levels were examined, with β-actin as loading control. * p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.01 (comparisons as depicted in the Figure). Validation of fibronectin knockdown and DDR2 overexpression is also shown. Data are representative of three independent experiments, n = 3, Mean ± SEM.