Liver progenitor cell-driven liver regeneration

Abstract

Regenerative medicine: Understanding regeneration in liver disease A deeper understanding of the biology of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) could give clinicians more effective tools for reversing the effects of liver disease. LPCs are precursors of the liver cells known as hepatocytes, and naturally appear when the tissue is injured or diseased. Juhoon So, Donghun Shin and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, have reviewed the current state of knowledge of LPC biology. They explore the mechanisms by which LPCs are generated and activated in response to trauma. These molecular pathways could offer useful drug targets.The authors also point out that excessive LPC activity can promote liver damage and tumorigenesis. As a consequence, any regenerative medicine approach based on LPCs must be coupled with effective strategies for promoting the efficient maturation of these cells into healthy hepatocytes.