Abnormal expressions of extracellular matrix proteins in the kidneys of Gpr48 KO mice.

<p>Some important fibrotic markers are highly expressed in the Gpr48 KO mice compared with the WT mice. (a) Total RNA was extracted and analyzed for the expression of collagenI, III, IV, MMP1,2,9, TIMP1,2 CTGF, FN and alpha-SMA in the kidneys by RT-PCR. (b) Western blot analysis depicted protein level of collagenI, IV, MMP2 and alpha-SMA in the kidneys of mice. (c) The expression of collagen I, IV, MMP2 and FN proteins was studied by immunohistochemistry on Gpr48 KO and WT adult mice (Magnification, 400×).