“…TGFβ1 induces CCN2 expression in both dermal and gingival fibroblasts [ 6 , 7 , 30 – 33 ]; however, gingival fibroblasts appear less potent in their response to TGFβ, and this difference has been linked to reduced adhesive signaling or responses to mechanical strain in this cell type [ 8 , 21 , 34 ]. Similarly, in HGF, TGFβ1 or profibrotic signaling does not ultimately result in abundant stress fibers; i.e., the full-blown myofibroblast phenotype in vitro or in vivo [ 8 , 20 – 22 , 30 ]. Thus, investigating how TGFβ activates profibrotic gene expression in HGF and HDF is of inherent value.…”