Dissection TNFα/NF-κB signalling in murine hepatocytes–a model for the priming phase of liver regeneration

During liver regeneration, initiation and termination of hepatocyte proliferation is tightly regulated by a defined subset of secreted factors. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) is specifically secreted by Kupffer cells very early in the priming phase of regeneration and promotes DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression of quiescent hepatocytes by activation of the NF-κB pathway. However, little is known about the dynamic behaviour, structure of feedback mechanisms, and termination of this pathway in hepatocytes. In order to define the molecular mechanisms regulating early TNFα-dependent steps in liver r…