Using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis, we demonstrated an obvious decrease in mRNA expression levels of the enzymes associated with inositol biosynthesis, including inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type I A (INPP4A), inositol monophosphatase 2 (IMPA2), and inositol-3-phosphate synthase 1 (ISYNA1) as well as a significant increase in the gene expression of myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) which is involved in inositol catabolism in IPF fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts (Fig. 1F). This evidence concerns the gene INPP4A and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.