Independent genetic predisposition for hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a murine genetic reference population

Aims: Hepatic fibrosis is a non-specific reaction in response to chronic liver injury. It is commonly caused by exogenous factors such as viral hepatitis or alcohol abuse but recent studies also point to a polygenic predisposition. The fibrotic response may lead to cirrhosis and predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also determined by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Our specific aim is to model both conditions in the same murine reference population. Methods: As reference population, we availed of phenotypic and genotypic data from recombinant inbred mouse strains…