Angiopoietin-like protein 2 mediates vasculopathy-driven fibrogenesis in a mouse model of skin fibrosis

Abstract

Fibrosis is a pathological condition wherein excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components leads to tissue hardening and loss of function. Though fibrosis contributes to ~40% of deaths worldwide, the lack of effective treatments highlights the need for a molecular understanding of fibrogenesis. Vasculature abnormalities are a foundational cause of fibrotic disorders such as the skin fibrotic disease scleroderma, however the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.