Role of extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis regression and regeneration (Review)

作者：Yuanzhi Zhou, Zeyuan Qiang, Yang Duan, Jiwei Huang, Haichuan Wang · 发表于：International Journal of Molecular Medicine · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.3892/ijmm.2026.5942 · 研究领域：Liver physiology and pathology、Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine、Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans research

The extracellular matrix (ECM), a critical component of the cellular microenvironment, is intimately linked to normal physiological functions and pathological alterations in tissues.In the liver, ECM homeostasis governs key processes including fibrogenesis, fibrosis regression and regeneration.These processes are not only influenced by ECM dynamics but also interconnected through ECM remodeling.These processes are closely related to Hepatic stellate cells and matrix metalloproteinases to a large extent.They are influenced by various pathways such as transforming growth factor-β, hepatocyte growth factor, integrin-linked kinase, Yes-associated protein, regulating their activation, cellular senescence and functional processes.Elucidating the mechanisms regulating ECM alterations holds significant implications for developing therapies targeting liver fibrosis regression and regenerative enhancement.Currently, multiple drugs under research have been shown to affect the progression of liver fibrosis through these related mechanisms.Furthermore, such insights may contribute substantially to preventing malignant lesions, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Contents1. Introduction 2. Relationship between ECM and liver injury 3. Relationship between ECM and liver fibrosis 4. Relationship between ECM and liver regeneration 5. Relationship between ECM and regression of liver fibrosis 6. Drug therapy for liver fibrosis based on ECM 7. Conclusion