Characterization of the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathways and their negative feedback regulators Ski and SnoN in hepatocytes

Introduction: TGF-β is a profibrotic cytokine that plays a central role in the onset and progression of chronic liver diseases. TGF-β activity is tightly controlled by multiple mechanisms, in which antagonising Smads activities by different co-repressors is an important regulatory component. Aims: In this study, we focus on identifying the role of Ski and SnoN as negative regulators of signal transduction by TGF-β in mouse hepatocytes and Hepa1–6 cell line, with special impact on the regulation of cell proliferation, fibrogenesis and apoptosis. Methods: To obtain a comprehensive view on TGF-β effects in hepatocy…