This article will discuss some recent insights based on our microarray studies that have
emphasized the role the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor beta, and collagen
structure in fibroid formation. These studies led to appreciation of molecular similarities
between fibroids and keloids. Collectively, these observations suggest a model of fibroid
development based on an abnormal response to tissue repair, resulting in disordered
healing and formation of an altered extracellular matrix.