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Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43(01): 001-012
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758833
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758833
Review Article
Recent Advances in Intrahepatic Biliary Epithelial Heterogeneity
Funding This work was supported by the Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, the NIH grants DK110035 to S.G.
Abstract
Biliary epithelium (i.e., cholangiocytes) is a heterogeneous population of epithelial cells in the liver, which line small and large bile ducts and have individual responses and functions dependent on size and location in the biliary tract. We discuss the recent findings showing that the intrahepatic biliary tree is heterogeneous regarding (1) morphology and function, (2) hormone expression and signaling (3), response to injury, and (4) roles in liver regeneration. This review overviews the significant characteristics and differences of the small and large cholangiocytes. Briefly, it outlines the in vitro and in vivo models used in the heterogeneity evaluation. In conclusion, future studies addressing biliary heterogeneity's role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases characterized by ductular reaction may reveal novel therapeutic approaches.
Publication History
Article published online:
15 December 2022
© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.
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