Runx2 activates hepatic stellate cells to promote liver fibrosis via transcriptionally regulating Itgav expression.

ABSTRACT:

Backgrounds and aims

As a central event during liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) have been thought to be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while its specific role in HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis remains elusive.

Approach and results

In this study, we found that Runx2 expression was significantly upregulated in human liver fibrosis with different aetiologies. Runx2 expression was also gradually elevated in mouse liver during fibrosis, and Runx2 was mainly expressed in the activated HSC. Knockdown of Runx2 in HSC markedly alleviated CCl₄ -induced, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocolli

SUBMITTER: Zhong L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10320748 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature