Stromal cell-derived factor-1α promotes recruitment and differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells

Figure 4 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 expression in nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells. A and B: Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (A) and immunoblotting (B) analyses of the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) treated with stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α); C: Immunofluorescence analysis of CXCR4 (green) and F-actin (red) in NPSCs. CXCR4 in NPSCs was not only upregulated but also transferred from the cytoplasm to membrane after treatment with SDF-1α. In addition, SDF-1α enhanced remodeling of the cytoskeleton and the formation of lamellipodia in NPSCs. These effects were inhibited by AMD3100. Data are presented as the mean ± SD, n = 3, ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01. CXCR4: C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4; SDF-1α: Stromal cell-derived factor-1α.