Controlling RAGE

The liver has a finite capacity for regeneration. In mice, removal of 70% of the liver (partial resection) is tolerated but 85% removal (massive resection) is often fatal. Cataldegirmen et al. show on page 473 that blocking RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) allows massively resected mice to survive and regain liver function.

Previous studies in mice suggested that recovery after partial resection requires an inflammatory stimulus—possibly provided by bacterial endotoxins, which are continuously filtered by the liver. This triggers activation of NF-κB in liver cells and production of the proregenerative cytokines TNF and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are essential for hepatocyte proliferation.

RAGE signaling is known to enhance chronic inflammation. The authors previously found that RAGE also promotes regeneration of injured nerves, which like liver regeneration requires inflammation.

Cataldegirmen...