Research Progress on Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Development and Regeneration / 胃肠病学

ABSTRACT

Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),the pluripotent cells,exist between liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic epithelial cells. Activated HSCs transform to myofibroblast-like cells,start to proliferate,and de novo express some proinflammatory and profibrogenic genes,which promote hepatic fibrogenesis. Previous studies mainly focused on the relationship between HSCs and liver fibrosis,however,recent studies indicate that HSCs are essential for proliferation, differentiation and maturation of various liver cells in the process of liver development and regeneration. This review systematically summarized the source,developmental regulation and function of HSCs,and focused on progress of recent studies on the role of HSCs in liver development and regeneration. The novel knowledge of HSCs may provide clues for treatment of liver diseases.