MicroRNA‐23b cluster microRNAs regulate transforming growth factor‐beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling and liver stem cell differentiation by targeting Smads†

Our data provide a model in which miR-23b miRNAs repress bile duct gene expression in fetal hepatocytes while promoting their growth by down-regulating Smads and consequently TGFbeta signaling. Concomitantly, low levels of the miR-23b miRNAs are needed in cholangiocytes to allow TGFbeta signaling and bile duct formation.