Fig. 3.

Culture-related changes in HSC expression of genes that regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) determined by qRT-PCR analysis of RNA obtained from the primary rat HSC described in Fig. 1. A: factors that inhibit EMT (BMP-7, Id2, and E-cadherin). B: factors that promote EMT [Snail, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and S100A4]. C: Hedgehog (Hh) signaling factors known to regulate EMT [Hedgehog-interacting protein (Hhip), Sonic Hh (Shh), and Gli2]. Values are means ± SE of triplicate experiments. *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; †P < 0.005.