Overexpression of BAG3 (Bcl2-associated athanogene 3) in serum and skin of patients with systemic sclerosis.

BAG3 is overexpressed in dcSSc patients and may contribute to skin and organ fibrosis by prompting the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increasing their survival. Thus, BAG3 may play an important role in SSc fibrotic pathogenesis and be a potential biomarker of fibrosis. Further research on its role as a therapeutic target is warranted.