Biliary stem cells in health and cholangiopathies and cholangiocarcinoma.

Purpose Of Review: This review discusses evidence regarding progenitor populations of the biliary tree in the tissue regeneration and homeostasis, and the pathobiology of cholangiopathies and malignancies.

Recent Findings: In embryogenesis biliary multipotent progenitor subpopulation contributes cells not only to the pancreas and gall bladder but also to the liver. Cells equipped with a constellation of markers suggestive of the primitive endodermal phenotype exist in the peribiliary glands, the bile duct glands, of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts.