Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is hyperactivated in systemic sclerosis and induces Smad‐dependent fibrotic responses in mesenchymal cells

Abstract

Canonical Wnt signaling was hyperactivated in SSc skin biopsy specimens. In explanted mesenchymal cells, Wnt-3a stimulated fibrogenic responses while suppressing adipogenesis. Taken together, these results indicate that Wnts have potent profibrotic effects, and that canonical Wnt signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and lipoatrophy in SSc.