Table 1.

HSC subtypes in the fibrotic PME.

HSC subtype	Markers	Functions	References
Cytokine and growth factor enriched HSC (cyHSC)	Lowly-activated HSC or Col1a1low. enriched in growth factors (e.g., Rspo3, Hgf) and cytokines (e.g., Cxcl12)	Support hepatocyte survival and regeneration through growth factors and cytokines.	Filliol, A. et al. 2022. [13]
Myofibroblastic HSC (myHSC)	Highly-activated HSC Col1a1high express activation markers (e.g., Acta2) and ECM proteins (e.g., Col1a1).	Remodel ECM, increase liver stiffness, and promote pro-tumorigenic changes in advanced fibrosis.	Filliol, A. et al. 2022. [13] Kostallari, E. et al. 2022. [195] Krenkel, O. et al. 2019. [196]
Proliferative-HSC	Ki67+ Top2a+ Actively dividing HSCs contributing to population HSC expansion	Expand HSC populations and support fibrotic responses.	Merens, V. et al. 2024. [19]
Senescent-HSC	Cell cycle arrest genes (Cdkn1a/p21, Cdkn2a/p16), SA-βGal+, SASP markers, uPAR.	Promote chronic inflammation, alter ECM remodeling, and contribute to fibrosis persistence	Krizhanovsky V. et al. 2008[42] Takahashi A. et al. 2018[43] Burton DG. et al. 2014[44] Yashaswini CN. et al. 2024[45] Yoshimoto S, et al. 2013[46] Lujambio A. et al. 2013[47] Amor C. et al. 2020[48] Li F. et al. 2020[49]