Fig. 3.

Models of hepatocyte regenerative potential.

(A) Schematic illustrating the long-prevailing hypothesis that all hepatocytes are regenerative and have similar regenerative potential, regardless of location, cell ploidy or other characteristics. (B) Alternatively, Sox9+ hepatocytes in zone 1 next to the portal vein or bile ducts are reported to be especially regenerative hepatocytes and can replenish all zones with hepatocytes without giving rise to tumours. (C) Very recent data showing Lgfbp2+ zone 2 hepatocytes fuel hepatocyte regeneration during partial hepatectomy and liver growth in pregnancy. Their proliferation is affected by nutrition status. (D) Hepatocytes expressing high levels of telomerase (Tert+) found in all zones are reported to be more regenerative, functioning like stem cells after injury. (E) Diploid hepatocytes are reported to be more proliferative than polyploid hepatocytes. (F) Small hepatocytes found in retrorsine- or galactosamine-injured rat livers have been reported to fuel regeneration. EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition.