The biliary tree—a reservoir of multipotent stem cells

This Perspectives describes the characteristics of stem and progenitor cells in the liver, biliary tree and pancreas. A hypothetical model of maturational cell lineages is presented, highlighting the common embryological origin of these organs. The potential of these stem and progenitor cells in regenerative medicine is discussed, along with their role in the pathophysiology and oncogenesis of midgut organs. The biliary tree is composed of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, lined by mature epithelial cells called cholangiocytes, and contains peribiliary glands deep within the duct walls. Branch points, such as the cystic duct, perihilar and periampullar regions, contain high numbers of these glands. Peribiliary glands contain multipotent stem cells, which self-replicate and can differentiate into hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or pancreatic islets, depending on the microenvironment. Similar cells—presumably committed progenitor cells—are found in the gallbladder (which lacks peribiliary glands). The stem and progenitor cell characteristics indicate a common embryological origin for the liver, biliary tree and pancreas, which has implications for regenerative medicine as well as the pathophysiology and oncogenesis of midgut organs. This Perspectives article describes a hypothetical model of cell lineages starting in the duodenum and extending to the liver and pancreas, and thought to contribute to ongoing organogenesis throughout life.