Hepatocyte survival depends on β1‐integrin‐mediated attachment of hepatocytes to hepatic extracellular matrix

Abstract

Our findings indicate that embedding of hepatocytes within their normal liver ECM surroundings maintains their survival. When detached from their natural surrounding hepatocytes enter into apoptosis, unless treated with anti-beta1-integrin antibodies or RGD peptides. This knowledge will allow improvement of hepatocyte transplantation efficiency.