Epigenetic regulation of hepatic stellate cell activation.
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to a myofibroblast-like phenotype is the pivotal event in liver fibrosis. In uninjured liver, HSC are quiescent and non-dividing, but upon liver injury these cells undergo a dramatic change in phenotype which generates activated myofibroblast-like HSC. The change in phenotype is underpinned by a global change in gene expression with hundreds of genes being up- or downregulated. Molecular events that orchestrate changes in gene expression take place at the level of chromatin packaging which is altered through three main processes: histone modifications, DNA methylation, and silencing by non-coding RNAs. The present review focuses on the epigenetic regulation of HSC activation.
Mann
Derek A
DA
Liver Research Group, School of Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Mann
Jelena
J
D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*