Robust cellular reprogramming occurs spontaneously during liver regeneration

Genes Dev. 2013 Apr 1;27(7):719-24. doi: 10.1101/gad.207803.112. Epub 2013 Mar 21.

Abstract

Cellular reprogramming-the ability to interconvert distinct cell types with defined factors-is transforming the field of regenerative medicine. However, this phenomenon has rarely been observed in vivo without exogenous factors. Here, we report that activation of Notch, a signaling pathway that mediates lineage segregation during liver development, is sufficient to reprogram hepatocytes into biliary epithelial cells (BECs). Moreover, using lineage tracing, we show that hepatocytes undergo widespread hepatocyte-to-BEC reprogramming following injuries that provoke a biliary response, a process requiring Notch. These results provide direct evidence that mammalian regeneration prompts extensive and dramatic changes in cellular identity under injury conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / cytology*
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Liver Regeneration / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells / cytology

Substances

  • Receptors, Notch