Hepatic Stem Cells in Liver and Biliary Regeneration

Dear Colleagues,

The physiological turnover of the liver and the biliary tree is ensured by the proliferation of mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Liver stem cells represent a background compartment activated by a regenerative response after injury. Lineage-tracing models disclosed the contribution of liver stem cells in liver regeneration and further underlined the role of mature parenchymal cell plasticity. In humans, liver stem cells have been indicated as the main drivers of fibrogenesis in chronic liver and biliary diseases, leading to a progression toward cirrhosis. Remarkably, liver stem cells are supposed to be cells of origin in some subtypes of liver cancers. The characterization of the liver stem cell niche and the definition of molecular signaling pathways are crucial to elucidate the pathogenesis of human diseases and to individuate novel therapeutic approaches. Moreover, the development of strategies regarding the application of liver stem cells in clinical programs for end-stage liver disease is a priority.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide recent advances in the field of liver and biliary regeneration, including the characterization of stem cell niches, the contribution of cellular plasticity, the molecular interactions at the basis of stem cell activation, and their application in regenerative medicine.

Prof. Guido Carpino
Guest Editor

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