Accumulation of duct cells with activated YAP parallels fibrosis progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Mechanisms that regulate regeneration of injured livers are complex. YAP, a stem cell associated factor, controls liver growth in healthy adult mice. Increasing nuclear localization of YAP triggers accumulation of reactive-appearing ductular cells (YAP+RDC) with liver progenitor capabilities. The significance of YAP activation, and mechanisms involved, are unknown in diseased livers. We evaluated the hypothesis that YAP is more activated in injured livers that are scarring than in those that are regenerating effectively.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR analysis were used to localize and quantify changes in YAP and RDC in 52 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and two mouse models of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NA

SUBMITTER: Machado MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4575842 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature