Hepatic loss of survivin impairs postnatal liver development and promotes expansion of hepatic progenitor cells in mice
Dan Li, Jin Cen, Xiaotao Chen, Edward M. Conway, Yuan Ji, Lijian Hui – 28 June 2013 – Hepatocytes possess a remarkable capacity to regenerate and reconstitute the parenchyma after liver damage. However, in the case of chronic injury, their proliferative potential is impaired and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are activated, resulting in a ductular reaction known as oval cell response. Proapoptotic and survival signals maintain a precise balance to spare hepatocytes and progenitors from hyperplasia and cell death during regeneration.