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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2023 Apr 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Physiol. 2022 Mar 30;600(8):1825–1837. doi: 10.1113/JP281061

Figure 2 – Functions and heterogeneity of quiescent HSCs.

Figure 2 –

All HSCs reside in the space of Disse between hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). Quiescence is maintained by high expression of the adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and sterol regulatory-element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Quiescent HSCs also produce and secrete cytokines and growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which are sequestered by the basal extracellular matrix (ECM). Physically and functionally different HSCs likely reside in different regions along the portal tract. Early studies described distinct populations of HSCs based on presence/absence of desmin fibers, or abundance of lipid droplets. In addition to these macroscopic differences, single-cell RNA sequencing studies suggest other functional differences in these distinct populations, such as altered glycosaminoglycan synthesis or increased antigen presentation.