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Hepatic Gene Expression

Meaning

Hepatic gene expression refers to the highly regulated process within liver cells, or hepatocytes, where the genetic information encoded in DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA and subsequently translated into functional proteins. The liver is a central metabolic and endocrine organ, and its gene expression profile dictates its critical functions, including the synthesis of circulating proteins, cholesterol metabolism, and hormone breakdown. Hormones like thyroid hormone, insulin, and sex steroids exert significant control over the liver’s genetic programming, profoundly impacting systemic health and metabolism.