Dynamics of hepatocyte turnover in humans

Date

Apr 12, 2019

Time

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker

Paula Heinke

Affiliation

Predoc

Language

en

Main Topic

Biologie

Other Topics

Biologie, Medizin

Host

Dr. Olaf Bergmann

Description

Abstract The liver is an organ with an enormous regenerative capacity and has been studied extensively in the past to understand this extraordinary property. Especially the parenchymal hepatocytes were analyzed in this context. Yet, the specific aspects of human hepatocyte renewal are still unclear as investigation of this process in man is very difficult due to methodological restrictions. Therefore, actual knowledge of the life time of human hepatocytes is limited and the respective source of new cells under different conditions is discussed. Our aim is to advance these substantial questions of human liver cell renewal utilizing a method which is new to the field - namely radiocarbon dating. We are using this technique to quantify the extent of hepatocyte renewal in human liver tissue. Having analyzed a first set of samples, we are now extending our study with regard to more specific aspects, including the zonation in the liver lobule and analysis of hepatocyte ploidy. Based on our data we are developing a mathematical model for human hepatocyte turnover. These studies will add substantially to the current knowledge and can provide the basis for treatment strategies aiming at pharmacologically manipulating hepatocyte renewal to improve liver function in advanced liver disease.

Links

• to announcement of the organizer

Last modified: Apr 12, 2019, 2:08:38 AM