HGF/R-spondin1 rescues liver dysfunction through the induction of Lgr5⁺ liver stem cells

Induction of endogenous adult stem cells by administering soluble molecules provides an advantageous approach for tissue damage repair, which could be a clinically applicable and cost-effective alternative to transplantation of embryonic or pluripotent stem cell-derived tissues for the treatment of acute organ failures. Here, we show that HGF/Rspo1 induce liver stem cells and rescue liver dysfunction. Carbon tetrachloride treatment promotes both fibrosis and Lgr5⁺ liver stem cell proliferation, whereas Lgr5 knockdown worsens fibrosis. Injection of HGF in combination with Rspo1 increases the number of Lgr5⁺ liver stem cells and improves liver function by attenuating fibrosis. We observe Lgr5⁺ liver stem cells in human liver fibrosis tissues, and once they are isolated, these cells are able to form organoids, and treatment with HGF/Rspo1 promotes their expansion. We suggest that Lgr5⁺ liver stem cells represent a valuable target for liver damage treatment, and that HGF/Rspo1 can be used to promote liver stem cell expansion.