Figure 2

GDAsBMP, GDAsCNTF and GRPs express different levels of NG2 and phosphacan in vitro. GRPs were induced to differentiate into astrocytes by exposure to BMP or CNTF. Relative levels of expression of NG2 and phosphacan proteins were determined by quantitative Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis. (a,c) Western blot analysis of whole-cell lysates demonstrates that GDAsCNTF express higher levels of (a) NG2 and (c) phosphacan. The graph shows fold change in protein levels for GDAs compared to GRPs. Error bars represent 1 standard deviation (SD). *p < 0.05. (b,d) Immunofluorescent labeling of cells using (b) anti-NG2 antibodies and (d) anti-phosphacan. Scale bars 50 μm.