Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides methods, devices and kits for determining the likelihood of an individual having an active fibrotic condition and/or early diagnosis, and subsequently prognosis evaluation of an individual having an active fibrotic condition such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) and/or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) by measuring the levels of several biomarkers: ?-enolase (ENO1), reticulocalbin 3 (RCN-3), alpha smooth muscle actin (?-SMA), reticulocalbin 1 (RCN-1) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the individual.

Abstract: Human fibroblast cells that comprise a gene construct that comprises a duplication mutated fibrillin 1 gene operably linked to functional regulatory elements and compositions comprising such cells are disclosed. Methods of treating wounds and kits for practicing such methods are disclosed. Transgenic animals comprising a duplication mutated fibrillin 1 gene operably linked to a tissue specific and/or inducible promoter are disclosed. Methods of identifying individuals with a duplication mutated fibrillin 1 gene are disclosed. The methods comprises detecting a duplication of exons 17-40 of a fibrillin 1 gene or a gene product produced by expression of a duplication mutated fibrillin 1 gene. Methods of preventing expression of a duplication mutated fibrillin 1 gene are disclosed.