Functional relevance of the extracellular matrix molecules Periostin and Tenascin C in liver damage and regeneration (A18#)

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A severe liver damage is associated with a strong fibrotic reaction. Hereby, hepatic stellate cells are activated and secret various extracellular matrix proteins, such as Periostin and Tenascin C. These proteins generate a specific microenvironmental niche for hepatic progenitor cells and probably influence the activation and expansion of the hepatic progenitor cells as well as their differentiation potential towards hepatocytes. Accordingly, the process of liver injury and regeneration will be addressed in Periostin and Tenascin C transgenic knockout mouse models and analyzed in detail. Moreover, the investigation of human paraffin-embedded tissue samples of chronic liver diseases should clarify whether the expression of Periostin and Tenascin C shows a correlation with pathophysiological parameters.