[1] Cytoglobin expression has been shown to be a specific marker with which hepatic stellate cells can be distinguished from portal myofibroblasts in the damaged human liver.

[2] In murine (rats, mice) liver, reelin expressed by Ito cells has been shown to be a reliable marker in discerning them from other myofibroblasts.

[8][6] This state of the stellate cell is the main source of extracellular matrix production in liver injury.

[1] The activated stellate cell as a myofibroblast is also responsible for secreting components of the extracellular matrix including collagen that can promote the development of fibrosis and the formation of scar tissue.

[10][11] Studies have also shown that in vivo activation of hepatic stellate cells by agents causing liver fibrosis can eventually lead to senescence in these cells, marked by increased SA-beta-galactosidase staining, as well as p53 accumulation and activation of Rb—hallmarks of cellular senescence.