Fig. 1

Deficiency of APN increases the stemness, proliferation, and migration of BMSCs. A The population of BMSCs (Sca-1⁺CD44⁺CD11b⁻CD45⁻) cultured under 1% hypoxia was analyzed by flow cytometry, and bar graphs were used for quantitative data. B APN KO BMSCs were seeded and colonies were stained after 14 days. The graph showed the number of colonies stained per well. C The mRNA levels of Sox2, Nanog, and Oct4 were measured using real-time PCR. D APN KO BMSCs were cultured in the presence or absence of rAPN and cell numbers were measured at the indicated times. E APN KO BMSCs were placed in the upper chamber of the transwell plate and migrated cells were imaged under a light microscopy (× 100 magnification) after 24 h, and then images were quantified using ImageJ software. All data were expressed as the mean ± SD from at least three independent experiments. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001