MicroRNAs as critical regulators in liver fibrosis

Abstract

AbstractLiver fibrosis, a common characteristic of chronic liver diseases, is a major challenge to global health. The progression of liver fibrosis is responsible for liver‐related morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis remains unclear and an effective therapy has not yet been developed. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is well‐known to act as a central driver of liver fibrosis, while resident and infiltrating inflammatory cells further modulate HSC activation via extracellular signals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that are critical regulators for liver physiological and pathological processes by negatively regulating target gene expression and facilitating intercellular communication. Here, we review the involvement of miRNAs in the development and progression of liver fibrosis in various hepatic cells, including HSCs, hepatocytes, and inflammatory cells, and discuss the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.