Angiocrine signaling drives liver fibrosis: From mechanism to early clinical translation
Summary
Hu et al identify ROCK2 in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as a key factor in liver fibrosis. Through single-cell analysis, knockout models, protein studies, and early clinical research, the authors show that ROCK2-driven endothelial cytoskeletal changes trigger angiocrine signals that activate hepatic stellate cells-highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
Content
# Angiocrine signaling drives liver fibrosis: From mechanism to early clinical translation
*Published: 2026 Apr 30*
Hu et al identify ROCK2 in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as a key factor in
liver fibrosis. Through single-cell analysis, knockout models, protein studies,
and early clinical research, the authors show that ROCK2-driven endothelial
cytoskeletal changes trigger angiocrine signals that activate hepatic stellate
cells-highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.04.001