[HTML][HTML] Fibroblasts derive from hepatocytes in liver fibrosis via epithelial to mesenchymal transition

M Zeisberg, C Yang, M Martino, MB Duncan… - Journal of Biological …, 2007 - ASBMB
Activated fibroblasts are key contributors to the fibrotic extracellular matrix accumulation
during liver fibrosis. The origin of such fibroblasts is still debated, although several studies
point to stellate cells as the principal source. The role of adult hepatocytes as contributors to
the accumulation of fibroblasts in the fibrotic liver is yet undetermined. Here, we provide
evidence that the pro-fibrotic growth factor, TGF-β1, induces adult mouse hepatocytes to
undergo phenotypic and functional changes typical of epithelial to mesenchymal transition …