[Which stem cells for adult liver?]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology
• Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology

Context:

• The existence of true stem or progenitor cells in adult livers has been a long-standing debate.
• Atypical ductular reactions in hepatitis indicate the proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells capable of differentiating into hepatocytes and biliary cells.

Purpose:

• To review the current understanding of hepatic progenitor cells in adult livers.
• To explore their potential role in liver regeneration, carcinogenesis, and cell-based therapies.

Summary:

• Hepatic progenitor cells, though rare and challenging to identify in normal livers, are implicated in liver regeneration and disease.
• While bone marrow stem cells show limited differentiation into hepatocytes in vivo, hepatic progenitor cells are increasingly recognized.
• These cells are hypothesized to play a role in liver carcinogenesis, particularly in intermediate and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinomas.

Impact:

• Advances in understanding liver stem cells can elucidate mechanisms of hepatic homeostasis and regeneration.
• This knowledge paves the way for novel cell-based therapeutic strategies for various liver diseases.
• Identifying and characterizing these cells is critical for developing effective treatments and understanding liver tumor origins.