Hepatic stellate cells: fibrogenic, regenerative or both? Heterogeneity and context are key

• Published in: Hepatology international Vol. 10; no. 6; pp. 902 - 908
• Main Author: Bansal, Meena B.
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.11.2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cell Differentiation; Colorectal Surgery; Hepatic Stellate Cells - drug effects; Hepatic Stellate Cells - pathology; Hepatic Stellate Cells - physiology; Hepatology; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis - drug therapy; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Liver Regeneration; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Review Article; Surgery; Hepatic stellate cell; Myofibroblasts; Liver fibrosis; Liver regeneration
• ISSN: 1936-0533; 1936-0541
• DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9758-x

Since their original identification, our understanding of the role of hepatic stellate cells in both health and disease continues to grow. Numerous studies have delineated the role of stellate cell activation in contributing to the pool of myofibroblasts responsible for liver fibrosis, and these have resulted in the development of a number of anti-fibrotic strategies targeting this cell. However, their potential role in liver regeneration, both initiation and termination, is also emerging and needs to be contemplated when considering targeted therapy. Perhaps what is most striking is the increasing recognition that this is not just one cell, but rather, a heterogenous population made up of a number of different subsets of cells, each with differentiated and specific functions. The tools are emerging for this dissection and are greatly needed to truly develop targeted therapies that will inhibit fibrosis while promoting liver regeneration and repair.