KRT18 and Cirrhosis: Additionally, the DPSC graft-promoted hepatocyte regeneration, enhanced by the overexpression of HGF in transplanted cells, was verified by the restoration of the mRNA and/or protein expression of albumin, TTR and CK18 (Fig. 5D–F), as reduced hepatic levels of albumin and TTR (hepatocyte-synthesized plasma proteins) and aberrantly increased expression of CK18 (single-layer epithelial Type I intermediate protein) associated with hepatogenic dedifferentiation are well-established indicators of cirrhosis-related hepatocyte injury40–43.