Different mouse models of oval cell induction can lead to reactivation of the oncofetal marker Neighbor of Punc E 11

Background: The oncofetal marker Neighbor of Punc E 11 (Nope) is physiologically expressed on hepatoblasts in the murine fetal liver, but its expression decreases rapidly until postnatal week 3 and remains undetectable in hepatocytes of the adult liver. The aim of our study was to analyzse whether expression of Nope can be reactivated in different mouse models of oval cell induction. Methods: We investigated C57Bl6 mice on a 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-collidin (DDC) diet as well as mice on a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet in comparison with mice on normal chow. DDC and CDE diet were o…