We found a severe cutaneous transcriptomic signature of SSc associated with multiorgan involvement. By deconvoluting the severe cutaneous signature, we have identified pathways enriched in specific cell types including KRAS in stromal cells, and a combination of stromal and immune cells in the severe signature. The severe SSc signature can provide a framework for understanding shared mechanisms in skin and lung fibrosis and may help identify additional molecular pathways.
Zielonka et al. (Fri,) studied this question.