FN1 and Hepatic fibrosis: Liver fibrosis is defined as the excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including fibronectin and collagen, that leads to cirrhosis, liver failure and portal hypertension in advanced hepatic fibrosis.1, 2 It is widely accepted that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a major source of the ECM and play a central role in liver fibrogenesis.