MCL-1 is important for integrity and survival of hepatocytes

Background and aims: Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. It inhibits apoptosis induction by interacting with pro-apoptotic family members. We recently have shown that Mcl-1 expression is induced in primary human hepatocytes after treatment with growth factors such as HGF, thereby protecting these cells against CD95-mediated apoptosis. The aim of this study was to further analyse the role of Mcl-1 for liver cell homeostasis and CD95-induced liver failure. Methods: A liver-specific Mcl-1 knock-out mouse was generated by mating Mcl-1flox/flox-mice[1] with mice expressing the Cre-recom…