Gene Expression Profiling of Fibroblast Growth Factor Ligands and their Receptors in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC) and In In Vitro Transdifferentiated Myofibroblasts (MFB)

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are pericytes of the sinusoidal compartment and represent the major site of vitamin A storage. After hepatic injury, HSC are activated and may play a key role in the regeneration of the liver. The liver has an amazing capacity to regenerate back to normal cell mass in a short time which requires a rise in cytokines and growth factors to promote proliferation and migration of various cell types. Activation of HSC is accompanied by morphological and metabolic changes including increased synthesis and secretion of cytokines and growth factors. FGFs and their receptors are important regu…