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The pancreatic stellate cell: a star on the rise in pancreatic diseases JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Omary, M. B., Lugea, A., Lowe, A. W., Pandol, S. J. 2007; 117 (1): 50-59

Abstract

Pancreatic stellate cells (PaSCs) are myofibroblast-like cells found in the areas of the pancreas that have exocrine function. PaSCs are regulated by autocrine and paracrine stimuli and share many features with their hepatic counterparts, studies of which have helped further our understanding of PaSC biology. Activation of PaSCs induces them to proliferate, to migrate to sites of tissue damage, to contract and possibly phagocytose, and to synthesize ECM components to promote tissue repair. Sustained activation of PaSCs has an increasingly appreciated role in the fibrosis that is associated with chronic pancreatitis and with pancreatic cancer. Therefore, understanding the biology of PaSCs offers potential therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of these diseases.

View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI30082

View details for Web of Science ID 000243538400007

View details for PubMedID 17200706

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC1716214