The number of positive cells expressing α-SMA, fibronectin and N-cadherin was intensified significantly and E-cadherin protein expression was reduced in the BLM group, whereas α-SMA, fibronectin and N-cadherin were decreased and E-cadherin was increased in the BLM+ PDX group compared with the BLM group (panels A–P). The gene discussed is ACTA1; the disease is Bloom syndrome.