Figure 2From: DNA methylation of SPARC and chronic low back pain Changes in expression and DNA methylation of SPARC in aging mice. SPARC mRNA expression (relative to gapdh) at different time points in life (b). Age-dependent changes in methylation of CG sites in the SPARC promoter (a) in IVDs as quantified by pyrosequencing (c). Treatment of 1-year old mice with the demethylating drug 5AC or vehicle (30 mg/kg, i.v. and 250 fmol i.t.) resulted in a 4-fold increase in SPARC mRNA expression and (d) decreased methylation of CG sites in the SPARC promoter as quantified by pyrosequencing in IVDs. Inset: Increased cold sensitivity following 5AC injection was significantly correlated with total SPARC methylation. * = p < 0.05, *** = p < 0.001. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's test (aging cohorts) and two-tailed student t-test (5AC vs. vehicle treated). Pearson's correlation (p = 0.03, r2 = 0.46). n = 3-15/group. Error bars = S.E.M.Back to article page