The exact mechanisms of IPF development related to abnormal ECM production and BC phenotype remain unknown, however the significant upregulation of ECM-related (such as FN1, COL1A1 and VCAN) and ECM-interacting genes (such as Integrins B8, AV and B6) in the aberrant basaloid cells suggests that changes in the ECM may influence the change in cellular phenotype. This evidence concerns the gene FN1 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.