Investigation of the role of hepatic stellate cells during liver carcinogenesis

Liver cancer is the commonest cause of death in patients with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring), and is resistant to most chemotherapy. Most tumours occur in cirrhotic livers, but the mechanisms linking cirrhosis and cancer are poorly understood. The hepatic stellate cell is the major source of scar tissue during liver injury, and we will investigate the role of this cell in hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, using a mouse model of liver cancer, we will assess the effect of removing a protein (αv integrin) specifically on stellate cells, to investigate its role during hepatocarcinogenesis. This will hopefully identify novel chemotherapeutic targets resulting in better treatments for patients with liver cancer.