supplementary materials.docx

The present study demonstrated that in vitro, activation of Smo/Gli1 pathway can inhibit the G1/S phase transition, proliferation and migration of CFs. Correspondingly, in cardiac remodelling model mice, early intervention with activation of Smo not only ameliorates cardiac fibrosis, but also protects both cardiac function and structure. This provides new evidence for the Shh signalling pathway as a possible target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.