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  • Epcam regulates intrahepati...
    Lee, Siyeo; Memon, Azra; Chae, Soo-Cheon; Shin, Donghun; Choi, Tae-Young

    Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 02/2024, Letnik: 696
    Journal Article

    Epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAMs) have been identified as surface markers of proliferating ductal cells, which are referred to as liver progenitor cells (LPCs), during liver regeneration and correspond to malignancies. These cells can differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in vitro. EpCAM-positive LPCs are involved in liver regeneration following severe liver injury; however, the in vivo function of EpCAMs in the regenerating liver remains unclear. In the present study, we used a zebrafish model of LPC-driven liver regeneration to elucidate the function of EpCAMs in the regenerating liver in vivo. Proliferating ductal cells were observed after severe hepatocyte loss in the zebrafish model. Analyses of the liver size as well as hepatocyte and BEC markers revealed successful conversion of LPCs to hepatocytes and BECs in epcam mutants. Notably, epcam mutants exhibited severe defects in intrahepatic duct maturation and bile acid secretion in regenerating hepatocytes, suggesting that epcam plays a critical role in intrahepatic duct reconstruction during LPC-driven liver regeneration. Our findings provide insights into human diseases involving non-parenchymal cells, such as primary biliary cholangitis, by highlighting the regulatory effect of epcam on intrahepatic duct reconstruction. •LPC-driven liver regeneration following severe liver injury results in a defect in bile duct morphogenesis in epcam mutants, indicating that epcam plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the intrahepatic biliary network.•EpCAMs are required for intrahepatic duct reconstruction during liver regeneration.