ECM1 expression in chronic liver disease: Regulation by EGF/STAT1 and IFNγ/NRF2 signalling.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

The extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is essential for liver homeostasis by keeping latent transforming growth factor-beta quiescent. Upon hepatocyte damage, ECM1 is significantly downregulated, facilitating fibrosis and chronic liver disease (CLD) progression. We investigated the mechanism of ECM1 regulation in hepatocytes under pathophysiological conditions.

Methods

We used promoter analysis to predict Ecm1 transcriptional regulators and assessed the expression of Ecm1-related genes by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq. Functional assays were performed with AML12 cells, mouse and human primary hepatocytes, and liver tissue from mice and patients.

Results

In healthy hepatocytes, epidermal growth factor (EGF)/E

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12260417 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature