Figure 1.

Summary of the process of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) trans-differentiation. The imaged cells are LX-2 cells taken after 72hrs growth with adipogenic factor induced quiescence on the left and activated cells on the right. The quiescent HSC phenotypically has a small cell body with cellular processes extending into the growth area around the cell. Lipid droplets are observed in the cells that are characterised by a lack of αSMA stress fibres, low expression of fibrosis associated genes (Col1A1, CTGF and αSMA) and increased expression of PPAR-γ. Upon activation, the cells lose their ability to store lipid droplets and have a large flat appearance. αSMA stress fibres are observed in the cells and gene expression of fibrosis associated genes are increased while PPAR-γ expression is reduced.