Exogenous Heparan Sulfate Enhances the TGF-β3-Induced Chondrogenesis in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Activating TGF-β/Smad Signaling

Figure 3

HS strengthens TGF-β3-mediated Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Cells were cultured in four different media (C, HS, T, and T + HS) and were harvested at 24 h. (a) Western blot for protein levels of P-Smad2/3, total Smad2/3, and GAPDH. (b) Quantification of protein levels of P-Smad2/3 normalized to total levels of Smad2/3. Error bars represent the means ± SD, . versus C group, versus T group.

(a)

(b)