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.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 719-724 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Genes and Development |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Facultative stem cells
- Liver
- Regeneration
- Reprogramming
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology