Fig. 6

Piezo1-mediated mitochondrial fission was involved in matrix stiffness-induced apoptosis of NP cells. A–C The protein levels and quantifications analysis of caspase, c-caspase, Bcl-2, and Bax in different group were measured by western blot. Data were presented as the mean ± SD, n = 3. ^#Not significant; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 (Student’s t tests). D, E The ROS levels were measured using DCFH-DA and analyzed by a flow cytometer. Data were presented as the mean ± SD, n = 6. ^#Not significant; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 (Student’s t tests). F, G TUNEL analysis and corresponding quantification of cell apoptosis in different group. Scale bar: 60 μm. Data were presented as the mean ± SD, n = 3. ^#Not significant; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 (Student’s t tests)