title: Identification of novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
abstract: Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the hepatic parenchyma and represents an intrinsic response to chronic injury, maintaining organ integrity when extensive necrosis or apoptosis occurs. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cell type responsible for liver fibrosis. Following liver injury, HSCs become activated and transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts (MFBs) that lead to intrahepatic ECM accumulation. In the present study, we performed a meta‑analysis of datasets which included whole-genome transcriptional data on HSCs in the quiescent and activated state from two different rodent species and identified commonly regulated genes. Several of the genes identified, including ECM components, metalloproteinases and growth factors, were found to be well‑known markers for HSC activation. However, other significant genes also appeared to play important roles in hepatic fibrosis. The elucidation of the molecular events underlying HSC activation may be key to the identification of potential novel pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fagone
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Katia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mangano
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Santa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mammana
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pesce
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pesce
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caltabiano
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giorlandino
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Teresa Rosanna
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Portale
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cavalli
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe A G
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Lombardo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Marinella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coco
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Puleo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Ferdinando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nicoletti
mesh_terms: D015536:Down-Regulation; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods; D063990:Gene Ontology; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015854:Up-Regulation