Fig. 2.

SSc-patient dermal fibroblasts show increased expression of fibrosis markers/MRTF target genes, which are inhibited by CCG-203971. (A) mRNA expression for fibrotic markers connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), alpha smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), and collagen (COL1A2) were quantified by qPCR. Primary human dermal fibroblasts isolated from normal donors or patients with SSc were grown in culture for no more than five passages prior to mRNA isolation. Data are mean ± S.E.M. of samples from three individuals. (B) CCG-203971 treatment reduces expression of CTGF, ACTA2, and COL1A2. Prior to mRNA isolation, SSc dermal fibroblasts were treated for 24 hours in the presence of the indicated concentration (μM) of CCG-203971 or 300 μM PFD. Data are mean ± S.E.M. of samples from at least four individuals. (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001 versus DMSO control.)