ROCK inhibition stimulates SOX9/Smad3-dependent COL2A1 expression in inner meniscus cells

This study demonstrated that ROCK inhibition stimulated SOX9/Smad3-dependent COL2A1 expression through the immediate nuclear translocation of Smad3 in inner meniscus cells. Our results suggest that ROCK inhibition can stimulates type II collagen synthesis through the cooperative activation of Smad3 in inner meniscus cells. ROCKi treatment may be useful to promote the fibrochondrocytic healing of the injured inner meniscus.