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Liver progenitor cells-mediated liver regeneration in liver cirrhosis

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Abstract

Cirrhosis is defined as the histological development of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous bands in response to chronic liver injury. In cirrhotic liver where hepatocytes proliferation is compromised, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are activated and then differentiated into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, leading to the generation of regenerative nodules and functional restoration. Here, we summarize and discuss recent findings on the mechanisms underlying LPCs-mediated regeneration in liver cirrhosis. Firstly, we provide recent research on the mechanism underlying LPCs activation in severe or chronic liver injury. Secondly, we present new and exciting data on exploring the origin of LPCs, which reveal that the hepatocytes give rise to duct-like progenitors that then differentiate back into hepatocytes in chronic liver injury or liver cirrhosis. Finally, we highlight recent findings from the literature exploring the role of LPCs niche in directing the behavior and fate of LPCs. This remarkable insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of LPCs-mediated regeneration in liver cirrhosis will provide a basis for translating this knowledge into clinical application.

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Acknowledgement

This study was supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 81570555 and 81270506.

Author contributions

Shang H and Wang Z are responsible for collecting the literature and preparing initial manuscript; Song Y conceived the study and wrote the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, People’s Republic of China

    Haitao Shang

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China

    Zhijun Wang & Yuhu Song

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  1. Haitao Shang
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Correspondence to Yuhu Song.

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Haitao Shang, Zhijun Wang and Yuhu Song declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Shang, H., Wang, Z. & Song, Y. Liver progenitor cells-mediated liver regeneration in liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Int 10, 440–447 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-015-9693-2

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