TGF-beta-1 up-regulates extra-cellular matrix production in mouse hepatoblasts

► Fetal liver was separated into hepatoblasts, endothelial cells and hematopoietic cells by flow cytometry. ► Extracellular matrix genes and proteins were expressed primarily by DLK-1-expressing hepatoblasts. ► Matrix production was down-regulated in Map2k4−/− fetal liver, which lacks hepatoblasts. ► Hepatoblasts expressed TGF-beta receptor type-2. ► ECM production in hepatoblasts is controlled by TGF-beta-1.