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NEW YORK, NY – In a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the treatment of liver disease, researchers have revealed that stellate cells, long considered the primary culprits in liver scarring (fibrosis), play a crucial and beneficial role in maintaining liver health. A study conducted by scientists at Columbia University and the German Cancer Center has unveiled the “secret boss” function of these star-shaped cells, demonstrating their importance in organizing liver structure and function.
The findings, published in the journal Nature, challenge the conventional view of stellate cells, which have been primarily studied for their role in liver disease progression. The research suggests that these cells are essential for normal liver function, including metabolism, detoxification, and tissue repair, before they become detrimental in diseased states.
“Our research shows a surprising role for stellate cells in the normal liver, where they act like ‘secret bosses,’ organizing its structure and instructing the work of other cells that perform the liver’s main functions, namely metabolism and detoxification,” explained Dr. Robert F. Schwabe, the study’s lead author and director of the Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “But the cells lose these protective functions as liver disease progresses, turning from good into bad guys.”
To uncover the true function of stellate cells, the researchers genetically engineered mice to eliminate these cells. They found that the absence of stellate cells resulted in a smaller, disorganized liver with impaired ability to heal, detoxify, and regulate metabolism. Further investigation revealed that a molecule within stellate cells, RSPO3, is critical for maintaining these beneficial functions. Elimination of RSPO3 mimicked the effects of removing stellate cells entirely.
The study also found that declining levels of RSPO3 in patients with metabolic or alcohol-associated liver disease, the two most common forms of fatty liver disease, correlated with worsened disease. This suggests that RSPO3 plays a similar protective role in humans.
This discovery has significant implications for the millions of people affected by liver disease, particularly metabolic liver disease, which is rapidly becoming a leading cause of liver transplantation and liver cancer in the United States.
“If we can reprogram diseased stellate cells back to their healthy state, we could potentially halt liver scarring and simultaneously improve liver function, which may be most helpful for patients in advanced disease stages who are not helped by current therapies,” added Dr. Schwabe.
The researchers are now focusing on developing strategies to increase RSPO3 levels and restore stellate cells to their healthy state, offering a potentially new therapeutic approach to combat liver disease.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided in the given source material. Medical research is an ongoing process, and the findings presented here should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. Individuals with liver disease or related concerns should consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
