Hepatic stellate cells and microRNAs in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis

Mio Kitano, P. Mark Bloomston

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by either blocking translation or inducing degradation of target mRNA. miRNAs play essential roles in diverse biological and pathological processes, including development of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in development of hepatic fibrosis and there are intricate regulatory effects of miRNAs on their activation, proliferation, collagen production, migration, and apoptosis. There are multiple differentially expressed miRNAs in activated HSCs, and in this review we aim to summarize current data on miRNAs that participate in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Based on this review, miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of liver disease, as well as markers of disease progression. Most importantly, dysregulated miRNAs may potentially be targeted by novel therapies to treat and reverse progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number38
JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 16 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hepatic stellate cell
  • Liver disease
  • Liver fibrosis
  • MicroRNA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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