S100B-RAGE dependent VEGF secretion by cardiac myocytes induces myofibroblast proliferation

► We determined an interaction between S100B and vascular endothelial growth factor. ► In rat cardiocyte cultures, S100B increased VEGF mRNA, protein, and secretion. ► In culture, rat cardiac fibroblasts undergo phenotypic transition to myofibroblasts. ► VEGF induces via VEGFR-2, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and myofibroblast proliferation. ► Myofibroblast proliferation contributes to scar formation in infarcted myocardium.