Telocytes in Liver

Telocytes (TCs) are a newly identified interstitial cell type which are named after and characterized by specialized thin, long synaptic structures called telopodes (Tps). The existence of TCs has been reported in lots of tissues and organs. There are numerous on-going studies to explore the biological functions of TCs, including their involvement in human disease. TCs are generally considered as supporting cells that help maintain the micro-structure of tissues by forming a three-dimensional interstitial network via intercellular junctions. In addition, TCs have also been implicated in the regulation of stem cell activity and the stem cell niche microenvironment, thus contributing to tissue repair and renewal. In this review, the most recent findings concerning hepatic TCs are described.