Key to Liver Regeneration

The liver is one tissue in mammals that can regenerate. Passino et al. now find that hepatocyte proliferation is controlled by the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, known primarily for its role in neurons in regulation of survival, apoptosis, and neuronal regeneration. Mice lacking p75NTR showed impaired hepatocyte proliferation. p75NTR appeared to act on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which differentiate in response to p75NTR and then make growth factors and extracellular matrix that support proliferation of hepatocytes. Modulation of the effects of p75NTR on HSCs could thus provide a therapeutic target for management of liver disease.


Source:
Key to Liver Regeneration. Passino et al. Science 30 March 2007: Vol. 315. no. 5820, p. 1764.