Microarray analysis reveals NFIB as a potential target of the matricellular protein WISP1 in alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease, characterized by loss of respiratory function. Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) hyperplasia, distorted epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk, and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition by (myo)fibroblasts are key features of IPF. Previously, we identified the matricellular protein WISP1 as a profibrotic regulator in hyperplastic AEC in IPF and potential target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we sought to identify signal molecules involved in WISP1 function. Methods and Results: A whole genome microarray analysis was performed in human primary…