“…6,28,29 In addition, this SSCT fibrosis is marked by increased TGF-b receptors, 6,30 increased activation of canonical TGF-b second messenger Smads, 28,31 increased expression of downstream fibrotic mediators such as CTGF, 28,29 and increased production of collagen types I, III, and VI. 6,28,32 The SSCT fibrosis in CTS is also marked by decreased matrix metalloproteases expression, an observation that fits with the increased fibrosis found in this tissue and a lack of normal matrix remodeling. 28,[32][33][34] In this study, we explored the ability of fibrotic SSCT cells to contract a collagen gel matrix.…”