Myofibroblast induces hepatocyte-to-ductal metaplasia via laminin-ɑvβ6 integrin in liver fibrosis

Cell Death Dis. 2020 Mar 23;11(3):199. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2372-9.

Abstract

Hepatocytes undergo the metaplasia into ductal biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in response to chronic injury, and subsequently contribute to liver regeneration. The mechanism underlying hepatocyte-to-ductal metaplasia has not been explored until now. In mouse models of liver fibrosis, a florid BEC response was observed in fibrotic liver, and the depletion of myofibroblasts attenuated BEC expansion remarkably. Then, in hepatocyte fate-tracing mouse model, we demonstrated the conversion of mature hepatocytes into ductal BECs in fibrotic liver, and the depletion of myofibroblasts diminished the hepatocyte-to-ductal metaplasia. Finally, the mechanism underlying the metaplasia was investigated. Myofibroblasts secreted laminin-rich extracellular matrix, and then laminin induced hepatocyte-to-ductal metaplasia through ɑvβ6 integrin. Therefore, our results demonstrated myofibroblasts induce the conversion of mature hepatocytes into ductal BECs through laminin-ɑvβ6 integrin, which reveals that the strategy improve regeneration in fibrotic liver through the modification of specific microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Laminin / metabolism*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Myofibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Integrins
  • Laminin
  • integrin alphavbeta6