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C-Kit, a Double-Edged Sword in Liver Regeneration and Diseases

Authors :
Weina Wang
Liyan Shui
Yanning Liu
Min Zheng
Source :
Frontiers in Genetics, Vol 12 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2021.

Abstract

Previous studies have reported an important role of c-kit in embryogenesis and adulthood. Activation of the SCF/KIT signal transduction pathway is customarily linked to cell proliferation, migration and survival thus influence hematopoiesis, pigmentation, and spermatogenesis. The role of c-kit in the liver is controversial, it is however argued that it is a double-edged sword in liver regeneration and diseases. First, liver c-kit+ cells, including oval cells, bile epithelial cells, and part of hepatocytes, participate in liver tissue repair by regenerating target cells according to the type of liver injury. At the same time, c-kit+ mast cells, act as immature progenitors in circulation, playing a critical role in liver fibrosis. Furthermore, c-kit is also a proto-oncogene. Notably, c-kit overexpression regulates gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Various studies have explored on c-kit and hepatocellular carcinoma, nevertheless, the intricate roles of c-kit in the liver are largely understudied. Herein, we extensively summarize previous studies geared toward providing hints for future clinical and basic research.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16648021
Volume :
12
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Genetics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0d71c507e61e4a5dbc79d0f938b490d4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.598855