Involvement of CTGF in TGF-β1–Stimulation of Myofibroblast Differentiation and Collagen Matrix Contraction in the Presence of Mechanical Stress

Abstract

In the presence of mechanical stress, CTGF is necessary for TGF-beta1-stimulation of myofibroblast differentiation and subsequent collagen matrix contraction, but CTGF alone is not sufficient to induce myofibroblast differentiation and collagen matrix contraction. Thus, TGF-beta1 appears to regulate multiple genes that are essential for fibroblast-mediated contraction of stressed matrix, one of which is CTGF.