The IPF fibroblastic focus is an active collagen biosynthesis factory embedded in a distinct extracellular matrix

The Fibroblastic Focus (FF) is a lesion typical of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). It is the site of myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The molecular composition and function of the FF and surrounding tissue remain undefined. Utilizing laser capture microdissection coupled mass spectrometry (LCM-MS), we interrogate the FF, adjacent mature scar tissue, and adjacent alveoli in 6 IPF specimens. To serve as a control, we perform LCM-MS on alveoli from 6 non-fibrotic controls.