Enhanced Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling in the activated canine hepatic progenitor cell niche.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The liver has a large regenerative capacity. Hepatocytes can replicate and regenerate a diseased liver. However, as is the case in severe liver diseases, this replication may become insufficient or exhausted and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) can be activated in an attempt to restore liver function. Due to their bi-potent differentiation capacity, these HPCs have great potential for regenerative approaches yet over-activation does pose potential health risks. Therefore the mechanisms leading to activation must be elucidated prior to safe implementation in the veterinary clinic. Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling have been implicated in the activation of HPCs in mouse models and in humans. Here we assessed the involvement in canine HPC activation. Gene-expression profile

SUBMITTER: Schotanus BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4302101 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature