Figure 7. Overexpression of SMA, Rac1, and Cdc42 confers the myo fibroblast phenotype. (A) Rac1- and Cdc42- overexpressing fibroblasts display the upregulation of SMA protein expression. (B) Rac1 and Cdc42 induce the expression of other myofibroblast markers, namely calponin and vimentin. (C) Rac1 and Cdc42 regulate the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, inducing a reorganization of F-actin, as suggested by the increase of actin stress fibers. Equal cell numbers were plated on glass cover sides, and after 24 h, the cells were fixed and actin filaments and nuclei were stained with Phalloidin (red) and DAPI (blue), respectively. Note that SMA-, Rac1- and Cdc42- overexpressing fibroblasts display an increased number of stress fibers, as compared with vector-alone control cells.