Stem/Progenitor Cell Niches Involved in Hepatic and Biliary Regeneration

<div>Activation of hepatic stem/progenitor cell (HpSCs) niche in liver diseases. (a) Primary biliary cirrhosis. Immunofluorescence for cytokeratin (CK) 7 and <i>α</i>-smooth muscle actin (<i>α</i>-SMA); Original Magnification: 10x. The activation of HpSCs is characterized by the appearance of ductular reactions (DR); DR consists of string of cells with irregular lumina (<i>reactive ductules</i>) composed of CK7+/Sox9+ HpSCs (yellow arrow). (b) Primary biliary cirrhosis; immunofluorescence for CK7 and <i>α</i>-SMA; Original Magnification: 10x. CK7+ DR is surrounded by activated (fibrogenetic) hepatic stellate cells (red arrows).</div>

Stem Cells International

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Figure 4

Figure 4: Stem/Progenitor Cell Niches Involved in Hepatic and Biliary Regeneration 