Groups B, C and D all contain genes involved in contraction and migration, however, the degree of heterogeneity between samples differ between these groups: in group B, the majority of fibrotic samples have elevated expression of smoothelin and transgelin compared with controls; in group C, fewer fibrotic samples, 7 out of 11, have enhanced levels of α2 smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) expression; and in group D, all three IPF samples, but only 3 out of 8 SSc-ILD samples, have elevated expression of calponin 1 and actin gamma 2 smooth muscle (ACTG2). This evidence concerns the gene ACTG2 and systemic sclerosis.