C5 BAC-transgenic mice identify complement factor 5 as genetic risk factor that modifies liver fibrosis

Aims: Unknown host genetic factors play a role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Recently we identified murine gene loci (Hfib loci) that confer susceptibility to hepatic fibrosis in an experimental intercross between fibrosis-susceptible (BALB/cJ) and resistant (A/J) inbred strains of mice. The Hfib2 locus on proximal chromosome 2 shows a highly significant association with hepatic collagen deposition and histological stage of fibrosis. Our aim now was to refine this genetic locus and to validate potential modifier genes of liver fibrosis in vivo. Methods & Results: To refine Hfib2, we employed in silico…