HGF and sclerosing cholangitis: Using the 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding model, a mouse model of cholestatic liver injury mimicking human primary sclerosing cholangitis, where HGF/c-Met signaling has proven essential [6], we have shown expression of BMP9 and activation of its downstream signaling, but more interestingly, an enhanced oval cell expansion, an improved liver function, and a decreased fibrosis in DDC-fed BMP9-KO mice [15].