Methods

This article is based on knowledge accrued over 13 years of work investigating the mechanisms of fibrosis and aspects of hepatic stellate cell biology and on regular Medline searches of the peer reviewed scientific literature during that time. The field has benefited from the recognition that certain mechanisms are common to hepatic, renal, and pulmonary fibrosis, and I have reviewed models of these processes while preparing this article. My examples highlight how laboratory based studies of the biology of hepatic fibrosis may inform the design of future treatments.