Steroidogenic factor-1, a novel regulator of hepatic stellate cell function

最近，我们发现类固醇生成因子-1，一种指导细胞产生类固醇激素的特殊蛋白质，存在于肝脏中被称为星状细胞的细胞中。这可能在肝脏对损伤的反应以及肝脏是否会形成疤痕并发展为肝硬变方面发挥至关重要的作用。我们的实验将确定是否如此，以及这个系统是如何运作的。这项工作将为今后改善或预防肝病患者肝硬变的治疗提供依据。

Recently, we have discovered that steroidogenic factor-1, a specialized protein that directs cells to make steroid hormones, is present in cells in the liver called stellate cells. This may play a vital role in how the liver responds to damage and whether the liver will the scar and move on to cirrhosis. Our experiments will determine if this is so and how this system functions. This work will provide a basis for future treatments to improve or prevent cirrhosis in liver disease patients.