The MSP-RON pathway regulates liver fibrosis through transforming growth factor beta-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Tianhao WengDong YanDanrong ShiMiaojin ZhuYizhi LiuZhigang WuTaoming TangLinwei ZhuHong ZhangHang-Ping YaoLan-Juan LiPublished in: Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2021)
Our study revealed that MSP is an important biomarker in liver cirrhosis progression and can be used to prognose patients. The MSP-RON pathway promotes the EMT of hepatocytes and the progress of fibrosis via a TGF-β related pathway. Consequently, we identified a new treatment strategy for liver cirrhosis through targeted inhibition of MSP/RON. This research increases the understanding of EMT-modulated liver fibrosis and provides new insights into biomarkers and therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis.