Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Figure 3

Osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSC was inhibited by knockdown of cannabinoid receptor 2. (a) BMSCs infected with virus containing shRNA sequence against cannabinoid receptor 2 (CNR2) or mock sequence. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) marks successfully infected cells. Bar = 100 μm. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to examine the expression of CB₂ receptor on infected cells. White arrows indicate positive staining for CB₂ receptor. (b) RT-PCR analysis of cannabinoid receptors (CNR) 1 and 2 genes in BM-MSC. Expression of cannabinoid receptor 2 was confirmed in BM-MSCs. GAPDH was used as internal control. PCR products were resolved on 2% agarose gel. (c) Alizarin red staining of BM-MSC after 3-week culture. Bar = 100 μm. (d) Alkaline phosphatase staining (ALP) after 2-week culture. Bar = 100 μm.

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