Taken together, these data demonstrate integrin beta-1 upstream of YAP-1 and PAK protein signalling in HSCs in vitro; the importance of all three to the pro-fibrotic phenotype of HSCs in vitro; and that inhibiting YAP-1 and PAK protein function in vivo ameliorates liver fibrosis. The gene discussed is YAP1; the disease is Hepatic fibrosis.