Liver Regeneration

Signals related to liver regeneration (LR) have been identified by triggering proliferation in hepatocyte cultures, delay of regeneration associated with signal ablation in genomically modified mice, or response of intact liver in vivo by injecting specific signaling substances. This chapter discusses these signals with emphasis on their effects on LR. Autophagy regulation is an important part of LR. Even though LR after partial hepatectomy is not representative of types of liver injury most commonly seen in liver disease, it has been a very useful model for understanding the fundamental signaling mechanisms controlling LR. The chapter infers that nuclear Yap plays a role in regulating liver size and that combined signaling of hepatocyte growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor/ epidermal growth factor receptor are essential for maintaining the hepatostat; combined elimination of these receptor tyrosine kinases signals causes liver decompensation and functional collapse.