Matricellular protein SPOCK1 expression positively correlates with liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. SPOCK1 is upregulated by PDGF-BB via the PI3K/Akt/FoxM1 signaling pathway and induces pro-fibrogenic responses. Additionally, it promotes stellate cell pro-fibrogenic responses through the integrin α5β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. SPOCK1 is therefore a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
- Zhipeng Du
- Zhuoying Lin
- Limin Xia
