Novel findings in an old model: Overexpression of c-myc in hepatocytes promotes the activation of hepatic stellate cells and facilitates the onset of liver fibrosis

Background and Aims: Overexpression of the proto-oncogene c-myc is frequently found in human and murine hepatocellular carcinoma. In mice, transgenic overexpression of c-myc in hepatocytes alb-myctg is sufficient to initiate liver cancer. However, the impact of c-myc for initiation of pathological precursor stages such as liver fibrosis is less defined. Liver fibrogenesis involves cell proliferation of hepatic cell populations such as hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In the present study we aimed to determine the potential role of c-myc in this process. Methods: Expression of c-myc was measured in b…