Revisiting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Liver Fibrosis: Clues for a Better Understanding of the “Reactive” Biliary Epithelial Phenotype

<div>Epithelial-mesenchymal cell interactions promote ductular reaction. Crosstalk mechanisms with portal myofibroblasts and macrophages mediated by Hedgehog (Hh) and TGF-<i>β</i>1, respectively, are critical in generating ductular reactive cells (DRC) from activation of the hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) compartment, residing in the niche nearby the canals of Hering. Hh and TGF-<i>β</i>1 stimulate DRC to gain a range of mesenchymal changes typical of a “reactive” phenotype.</div>

Stem Cells International

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Figure 2: Revisiting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Liver Fibrosis: Clues for a Better Understanding of the “Reactive” Biliary Epithelial Phenotype 

Figure 2 | Revisiting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Liver Fibrosis: Clues for a Better Understanding of the “Reactive” Biliary Epithelial Phenotype 