“…α-SMA is an indicator for myofibroblasts, whereas synthesis of fibronectin as a component of the ECM is increased in myofibroblasts, in comparison to fibroblasts. It was already confirmed that TGF-β is expressed in primary human ocular fibroblasts subpopulations [4], and that it plays a key role in ocular wound healing and scarring processes [53]. Following incubation of hTFs with TGF-β1, we confirmed increase in α-SMA and fibronectin expression, indicating fibroblast transformation into fibrotic active myofibroblasts.…”