ECM1 is a gatekeeper that restrains TGF-β activation to maintain liver homeostasis and prevent fibrogenesis

Excessive amounts of active TGF-β drive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and promote extracellular matrix production, which results in fibrosis and cirrhosis. The mechanism on how the liver controls active TGF-β supply has not fully been understood. We investigated the role of extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), a new extracellular matrix component in the liver, in TGF-β activation and fibrogenesis of mice and humans.