mRNA expression of Runx2 and osteopontin (OPN) gene in MSCs cultured on the three different matrices.

Runx 2 and OPN expression were quantified by qPCR after 3 and 7 days of MSCs cultured on Matrix-HA, Matrix-8Sr-HA and Matrix-50Sr-HA. Three separate experiments were performed and each assay was done in duplicate. Data were expressed in relative expression normalized to P0 expression, compared to Matrix-HA for each time. Gene expression were set as “1.0” for each day (Day 3 and Day 7) for Matrix-HA. Results were expressed as average ± SD.