Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Inhibits Collagen I and IV Synthesis in Hepatic Stellate Cells by miRNA-29 Induction
2011

Hepatocyte Growth Factor Inhibits Collagen Synthesis in Liver Cells

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kwiecinski Monika, Noetel Andrea, Elfimova Natalia, Trebicka Jonel, Schievenbusch Stephanie, Strack Ingo, Molnar Levente, von Brandenstein Melanie, Töx Ulrich, Nischt Roswitha, Coutelle Oliver, Dienes Hans Peter, Odenthal Margarete

Primary Institution: Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany

Hypothesis

The study investigates the influence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on the miR-29 collagen axis in hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusion

HGF upregulates miR-29, which inhibits collagen synthesis, while TGF-β downregulates miR-29, promoting collagen production.

Supporting Evidence

  • HGF stimulation leads to increased levels of miR-29.
  • TGF-β stimulation results in decreased miR-29 levels and increased collagen synthesis.
  • miR-29 directly inhibits collagen I and IV synthesis in hepatic stellate cells.
  • Loss of miR-29 is observed during liver fibrosis in vivo.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called HGF helps stop liver cells from making too much collagen, which can cause liver problems, by increasing a tiny molecule called miR-29.

Methodology

Hepatic stellate cells were isolated from rats and stimulated with HGF and TGF-β, followed by analysis of collagen and miR-29 levels using Real-Time PCR and Western blotting.

Participant Demographics

Male Wistar rats (250–300 g)

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024568

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