Secret boss of the liver: Star-shaped cells that promote fibrosis also regulate liver health

Hepatic stellate cells control liver function and regeneration

Until now, doctors knew hepatic stellate cells mainly as drivers of liver fibrosis. The actual functions of this cell type have hardly been studied to date. Researchers have now determined that hepatic stellate cells control liver metabolism as well as liver regeneration and size. The results of the study could contribute to new therapeutic approaches for liver diseases.

Hepatic stellate cells control liver function and regeneration - German Cancer Research CenterLogo des Deutschen KrebsforschungszentrumsLogo des Deutschen KrebsforschungszentrumLogo der Deutschen Zentren der GesundheitsforschungLogo des Helmholtzinstituts

The liver is a central organ for carbohydrate and protein metabolism as well as for the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. Its vital functions require a high regenerative capacity. Liver cells, so-called hepatocytes, make up about 60 percent of the total cell number of the organ. They have important metabolic tasks and are active in detoxification and metabolism. Endothelial cells provide mass transfer, cholangiocytes transpor