Pivotal role of connective tissue growth factor in lung fibrosis: MAPK‐dependent transcriptional activation of type I collagen

Our results clearly define a direct profibrotic effect of CTGF and demonstrate its contribution to lung fibrosis through transcriptional activation of Col1a2. Blocking strategies revealed the signaling mechanisms involved. These findings show CTGF to be a rational target for therapy in fibrotic diseases such as SSc.