Protein-protein interaction map is a key gateway into liver regeneration

Table 1 Liver cell types and their functions during liver regeneration

Cell types	Functions
Hepatocytes	Organized in single cell plates; perform metabolic and detoxification function; can secrete HGF, IL-6, proteases and protease inhibitors
Sinusoidal endothelial cells	Involved in endocytosis and metabolism of molecules; can produce TGFβ, HGF, IL-6 and nitric oxide
Biliary epithelial cells	Can promote fibrogenesis by attraction of hepatic stellate cells and can secrete cytokines such as MCP-1 and IL-6
Kupffer cells	Major producers of cytokines such as TNF and IL-6
Hepatic stellate cells	Store vitamin A and secrete laminins, collagens and growth factor: HGF, EGF, TGFβ and cytokines IL-6; also produce MMPs
Oval cells	Can differentiate to biliary and hepatocytes lineage

HGF: Hepatocyte growth factor; IL-6: Interleukin-6; EGF: Epidermal growth factor; TGF: Transforming growth factor; MCP: Monocyte chemotactic protein; MMP: Matrix metalloproteinase; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor.