Friend or foe? Liver cells come under scrutiny
07 July 2008
When the liver is damaged (for example, by exposure to viruses and toxins), cells called hepatocyte myofibroblasts migrate to the affected area in an attempt to protect the tissue and promote recovery. As part of this process, the cells produce scar tissue.
Long-term liver damage causes an accumulation of scar tissue, which, ultimately, can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. These conditions - thought to be responsible for some 1.4 million deaths worldwide per year - are becoming increasingly serious health problems, particularly in younger age-groups.
Dr Matthew Wright from the University of Newcastle and colleagues want to find out whether these scar-forming hepatocyte myofibroblast cells are doing more harm than good when the liver is damaged or stimulated to regenerate. In this work they will selectively target and kill off hepatocyte myofibroblasts in mouse models of liver injury and regeneration. To do this, they will use an antibody that specifically recognises the cells and that is bound to a special toxin.
The research could have important implications for our understanding of chronic liver disease and the development of effective therapeutics for the condition.
Image: Anatomy of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder;Medical Art Service, Munich/Wellcome Images