OC-002 Selective Alpha V Integrin Deletion Identifies a Core, Targetable Molecular Pathway that Regulates Fibrosis Across Solid Organs

Introduction Myofibroblasts are the major source of extracellular matrix components that accumulate during tissue fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver. To date, robust systems to genetically manipulate these cells have not existed. The paucity of tools that allow reliable, specific inactivation of genes in myofibroblasts in vivo has greatly hindered progress in understanding the …