Liver: Development and Regeneration Potential

The liver is the largest internal organ, and it is responsible for many exocrine, endocrine, and metabolic functions in the body. Liver is mostly comprised of hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, which are derived from endoderm. Liver development occurs as a result of cellular interactions between endoderm and mesoderm; many of these pathways have been identified. Regeneration of the liver is a complex and intricate process involving growth factors, matrix remodeling, and numerous feedback systems among various liver cells. Recent advancements in the field of liver regenerative medicine include the successful growth of human liver-like tissue outside a human body on resorbable scaffolds, which can be used as a substitute to liver transplants in patients of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.

Liver is comprised of cells ...