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