In Search of Zonation Markers to Identify Liver Functional Disorders
Qiuyuan Yang, Shuping Zhang, Juan Ma, Sijin Liu, Shuguang Chen
Abstract
A substantial amount of research is being conducted on zonation markers to identify hepatic injuries and disorders based on the structural and functional zonation of the liver. In contrast to metabolic zonation, hepatocyte ploidy reflects the capability of liver regenerative turnover. Nonetheless, many knowledge gaps remain in the understanding of the links between liver disorders and altered zonation and ploidy, partially owing to the lack of sufficient zonation markers. Under this setting, we recapitulated the currently known and prospective markers used to identify normal and altered liver zonation in different disorders. Furthermore, we discussed new findings from studies that have used advanced methodologies to identify potential markers with greater accuracy. We also elaborated on the perspectives and future applications of zonation research in the early detection of various liver diseases.