In a previous study we demonstrated that SSc fibroblasts have substantially increased levels of PKC-δ compared to normal fibroblasts and that exposure of these fibroblasts to rottlerin resulted in a >80% reduction in COL1A1 mRNA, and a >70% reduction in COL3A1 mRNA with a corresponding decrease in the production of these proteins. This evidence concerns the gene COL1A1 and systemic sclerosis.