A method of treating a pathophysiological condition caused by the production ofgrowth-inhibiting proteoglycans is provided. It is based on the finding that down-regulationof SOX9 results in decreased production of growth-inhibiting factors such asproteoglycans, and increased production of growth-promoting factors suchas a laminin and fibronectin. The method of the present invention comprises theinhibition of SOX9 expression and function with an inhibitor such as an antisenseoligonucleotide or a siRNA.