Document Detail


Hedgehog signaling in cholangiocytes.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21423008     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cells lining the biliary tree are targets of injury, but also orchestrate liver repair. The latter involves autocrine/paracrine signaling that enhances the viability and growth of residual ductular cells and promotes accumulation of inflammatory and myofibroblastic cells. The mechanisms mediating this so-called 'ductular reaction' need to be better understood to improve injury outcomes. Studies are revealing that ductular cells produce and respond to hedgehog (Hh) ligands, developmental morphogens that control progenitor cell fate and tissue construction during embryogenesis. Because this has potential implications for liver repair, this review will summarize current knowledge about Hh signaling and cholangiocytes. RECENT FINDINGS: Diverse types of liver injury stimulate cholangiocytes to generate Hh ligands, and cholangiocyte-derived Hh ligands interact with receptors on cholangiocytes and neighboring cells to modulate virtually every aspect of the ductular reaction to injury. Excessive Hh signaling promotes dysfunctional repair and results in chronic hepatic inflammation, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis. SUMMARY: The Hh pathway is part of the complex signaling network that orchestrates liver repair. How other pathways and posttranscriptional mechanisms modulate Hh signaling in ductular cells remains unclear. Further research in this area may identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma.
Authors:
Alessia Omenetti; Anna Mae Diehl
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-3-17
Journal Detail:
Title:  Current opinion in gastroenterology     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1531-7056     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-3-22     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8506887     Medline TA:  Curr Opin Gastroenterol     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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