Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that osteopontin (OPN) can promote the fibrotic process in various organs, which is achieved through inhibition of GSK-3β signaling pathway and suppression of autophagic degradation of ECM in the circulation of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, correlated with increased production of COLI and FN and the proliferation of fibroblasts 128. This evidence concerns the gene SPP1 and atrial fibrillation.