Liver regeneration: from myth to mechanism

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2004 Oct;5(10):836-47. doi: 10.1038/nrm1489.

Abstract

The unusual regenerative properties of the liver are a logical adaptation by organisms, as the liver is the main detoxifying organ of the body and is likely to be injured by ingested toxins. The numerous cytokine- and growth-factor-mediated pathways that are involved in regulating liver regeneration are being successfully dissected using molecular and genetic approaches. So what is known about this process at present and which questions remain?

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Growth Substances / metabolism
  • Hepatectomy
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / physiology*
  • Liver Regeneration*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Growth Substances
  • Interleukin-6
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators