Furthermore, to better clarify the mechanisms linking the loss of Cav-1 to the abnormal persistent VEGF signaling in SSc, we silenced Cav-1 expression in HC-MSCs by specific siRNA, and observed that the decreased Cav-1 expression in HC-MSC is associated to a persisting VEGF signaling and CTGF production, mirroring the results observed in SSc-MSCs. The gene discussed is CCN2; the disease is systemic sclerosis.