Organogenesis and development of the liver.

Embryonic development of the liver has been studied intensely, yielding insights that impact diverse areas of developmental and cell biology. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms that control hepatogenesis has also laid the basis for the rational differentiation of stem cells into cells that display many hepatic functions. Here, we review the basic molecular mechanisms that control the formation of the liver as an organ. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.