Immortalized Human Hepatic Stellate Cells

Human Hepatic stellate cells (HSteC) are intralobular connective tissue cells presenting myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. They participate in the homeostasis of liver extracellular matrix, repair, regeneration, fibrosis and control retinol metabolism, storage and release. Following liver injury, HSteC transform into myofibroblast-like cells; furthermore they are the major source of type I collagen in the fibrotic liver. Beyond these features, HSteC act as regulators of hepatic microcirculation via cell contraction, moreover in disease states, in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal hypertension. Proliferation and migration of HSteC and expression of chemokines play roles in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Immortalized Human Hepatic Stellate Cells are useful tools to understand the highly integrated balance between proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. This cell line also allow to stablish in vitro models for HIgh Throughput and High Content Screening.