hepatic stellate cells

[Cell Death Discovery] Scientists demonstrated that the expression of lncRNA NEAT1 was increased and the expression of miR-139-5p was decreased in fibrotic liver tissues. LncRNA NEAT1 could sponge miR-139-5p and promoted hepatic stellate cells activation by directly inhibiting the expression of miR-139-5p.

[Communications Biology] The authors reported a strategy for chronic liver disease treatment by induction of integrin αvβ3 mediated cell apoptosis using a rationally designed protein (ProAgio). ProAgio was designed to target integrin αvβ3 at a novel site, which was highly expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells, angiogenic endothelium, and capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

[Stem Cells and Development] Investigators explored the possible mechanism of HGF-transfected human umbilical cord MSCs in inhibiting the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells-T6.

[Cell Death Discovery] The authors showed dual regulatory functions of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in attenuating hepatic fibrosis by promoting Ly6Chi/Ly6Clo subset conversion and Ly6Clo macrophage restoration through secreting antifibrogenic-cytokines and activating the apoptotic pathway.

[Journal of Hepatology] Researchers investigated restoration of hepatocyte functions by HNF4A mRNA transfection in vitro, and analyzed the attenuation of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in multiple mouse models, by delivering hepatocyte-targeted biodegradable lipid nanoparticles encapsulating HNF4A mRNA.

[Science Advances] The authors showed that pirfenidone, an anti-lung fibrosis drug, inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis in a Glutaredoxin-1 (GLRX)-dependent manner. Glrx depletion exacerbated liver fibrosis, and decreased GLRX and increased protein S-glutathionylation were observed in fibrotic mouse and human livers.