Hepatocyte transplantation has excited much interest among investigators for applications
in cell therapy and studies of fundamental mechanisms concerning liver biology. Progress
in these areas has been greatly facilitated by the development of novel animal models.
An understanding of early events during engraftment of transplanted cells is essential
for optimal repopulation of the liver. Insights into how transplanted cells integrate
in the parenchyma of the liver with reconstitution of specific plasma membrane structures
is critical in devising therapeutic strategies for specific disorders. Moreover, these
insights are necessary for understanding mechanisms concerning regulation of cell
proliferation and gene expression in transplanted hepatocytes. Finally, analysis of
the safety of cell transplantation is necessary for clinical applications of liver
repopulation with cell transplantation. This review highlights selected advances in
related areas concerning liver repopulation.
hepatocyte - transplantation - liver
