Fate-Mapping Evidence That Hepatic Stellate Cells Are Epithelial Progenitors in Adult Mouse Livers

Abstract

Liver injury activates quiescent hepatic stellate cells (Q-HSC

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis is a mitogen for liver progenitor cells

“…The implication of this, at this time, is not entirely clear as a lineage relationship between LPCs and hepatic stellate cells has been proposed. 34 Regardless, we propose that a paracrine TWEAK-Fn14 signaling system operates in LPC-mediated liver regeneration, in which localized secretion of the TWEAK ligand by NK cells and macrophages regulates LPC behavior by binding and activating Fn14 on LPCs.…”

Liver precursor cells increase hepatic fibrosis induced by chronic carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats

“…It remains that CK19-negative cells expressing mesenchymal markers were detected in close proximity to LPC, confirming that LPC are accompanied by aSMA-positive cells that derive from HSC or periportal fibroblasts. 10,11,15 Other evidence suggests that HSC could differentiate into LPC with an intermediate phenotype, 51,57 adding further complexity to the mechanisms by which HSC or LPC contribute to liver fibrogenesis. Nevertheless, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of HSC could not be demonstrated in liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation or CCl 4 administration.…”

The niche of stellate cells within rat liver

“…8 A recent study provided additional hints that HSCs are directly involved in restoration of liver mass also in vivo. 9 Moreover, HSCs possess signaling pathways required for stem cell functions such as hedgehog and ␤-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling. 10,11 Similar to hematopoietic stem cells, quiescent HSCs are resistant against CD95-mediated apoptosis and proliferate in response to CD95 ligand.…”