The winged helix transcription factor Foxa2 is required for normal bile acid homeostasis, as a study conducted by Irina M. Bochkis and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania (USA). The bile production in the liver is essential for the absorption of lipophilic nutrients. If the bile acid homeostasis is disrupted, cholestatic liver disease and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can be the results.

Deletion of Foxa2 in murine hepatocytes via the Cre-lox system results in the decreased transcription of genes responsible for bile acid transporters on the basolateral and canalicular membranes. Intrahepatic cholestasis was the consequence. Foxa2-deficient mice react sensitively to cholic acid in their food, which accumulates toxic levels of hepatic bile salts and leads to ER stress and liver injury.

The scientists also show decreased Foxa2 expression in liver samples from patients suffering from different cholestatic syndromes. It is therefore likely that a reduced amount of Foxa2 would negatively influence the severity of the injury.

Related antibodies on antibodies-online.com:

Foxa2

Hepatocytes

Liver Antigen (Bile canaliculi)

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