Dual modulation of human hepatic zonation via canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways.

ABSTRACT: The hepatic lobule is divided into three zones along the portal-central vein axis. Hepatocytes within each zone exhibit a distinctive gene expression profile that coordinates their metabolic compartmentalization. The zone-dependent heterogeneity of hepatocytes has been hypothesized to result from the differential degree of exposure to oxygen, nutrition and gut-derived toxins. In addition, the gradient of Wnt signaling that increases towards the central vein seen in rodent models is believed to play a critical role in shaping zonation. Furthermore, hepatic zonation is coupled to the site of the homeostatic renewal of hepatocytes. Despite its critical role, the regulatory mechanisms that determine the distinctive features of zonation and its relevance to humans are not well understood. The p

SUBMITTER: McEnerney L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5750478 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature