Fig 2: MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression on different gel rigidities. mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 was assayed by RT-qPCR, normalised to control GAPDH mRNA and presented relative to 4 kPa sample. Data obtained from 3 separate experiments (n = 3). Results are expressed as mean ± s.e.m. ***Represents t test, p < 0.001. Dashed line represent relative mRNA RT qPCR expression (normalized to GAPDH) value of 1.0.

Fig 3: MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 activity regulation on different gel rigidities. An illustration of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 gene expression, protein expression and activity of secreted protein in cells cultured on different rigidity substrates. MMP-2 = matrix metalloproteinase 2, MMP-9 = matrix metalloproteinase 9, TIMP-1 = tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1. ~ represents no change in levels, ? and ? represent up and downregulation respectively.

Fig 4: MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 protein expression on different gel rigidities. (a) Protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 as assayed by Western Blot. HSC70 presented as control protein. (b) Optical density of Western Blot bands relative to 4 kPa sample. Data obtained from 3 separate experiments (n = 3). Results are expressed as mean ± s.e.m. ***Represents t test, p < 0.001.

Fig 5: MMP-9 activity with TIMP-1 knockdown. MMP-9 zymography of HSC conditioned media from cell with or without TIMP-1 siRNA. Signal intensity of the bands presented relatively to untransfected control. Data obtained for 3 independent experiments. Results are expressed as mean ± s.e.m. *Represents t test, p < 0.05.