In contrast, MMP1 data elicited ΔRstiff/ΔRsoft >1 in IPF-fibroblasts, whereas such ratio was negative in control fibroblasts (Figure 6F), revealing an aberrant positive synergy between matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 in IPF-fibroblasts in terms of MMP1 expression. Here, MMP1 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.