A TGFβ-ECM-Integrin Signaling Axis Drives Structural Reconfiguration of the Bile Duct to Promote Polycystic Liver Disease

The development of cystic tissue required the activation of transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) signaling, which promoted the expression of a procystic, fibronectin-rich ECM and which itself was perceived by a changing profile of integrin receptors on the cystic epithelium.