Identification of cis-regulated genes in quantitative trait loci driving liver fibrosis

Aims: Liver fibrosis is a complex disease mediated by multiple interacting genes and environmental factors. Our aim is to identify genes that drive profibrogenic expression profiles during liver fibrogenesis. We availed of the genetically well characterised reference panel of BXD recombinant inbred lines and linked phenotypic differences to the genetic variation segregating in this genetic reference population. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in 30 BXD lines (392 mice) by CCl4 (12 injections i.p.; 0.7mg/kg). Fibrosis progression was assessed by histological fibrosis staging and quantification of hepatic coll…