Specific Endoglin deletion in primary mouse hepatic stellate cells shows a modulation of TGF-b signaling pathways, aggravating liver fibrosis

Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source for extracellular matrix (ECM) production in liver fibrosis. TGF-beta and its auxiliary receptor endoglin (ENG, S- and L-Endoglin splicing variants), which is expressed on HSCs, are important cytokines, mediating cellular responses in liver injury. This study analyzes the role of specific Endoglin deletion in primary mice HSCs using Cre-LoxP genetic recombination and the effect of this deletion on stellate cell activation. Methods: HSCs were isolated from ENGflox/flox and GFAPCre-ENGΔHSC mice in a two step pronase/collagenase digestion. After FACS so…