Molecular mechanism underlying liver stem cell system

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The study of tissue-specific stem cells is important for the development of regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. In this study, we sought to clarify the molecular mechanism regulating differentiation and proliferation of hepatic stem cells in liver development, regeneration and carcinogenesis. Our study revealed mechanisms underlying not only differentiation of hepatic stem cells, but also proliferation of differentiated hepatocytes in liver regeneration after loss of liver mass or hepatic injury. Moreover, although intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been known to originate from malignant transformation of intrahepatic cholangiocytes, we found that intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma can arise from Notch-mediated conversion of hepatocytes. These findings will contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for liver diseases