Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Fibrosis: Role of Fibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix

The most prominent feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the presence of fibrosis in connective tissues. Fibroblasts, a key component of connective tissues, play a major role in synthesizing, secreting, and maintaining the various extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are significantly elevated in fibrotic tissues. These ECM components directly contribute to the development of fibrosis. Perturbed expression of certain major ECM genes has been observed in the fibroblasts of patients affected by SSc.