This detailed volume explores hepatic stellate cells, which have become a spotlight of liver cell biology due to their pleiotropic functions that extend well beyond extracellular matrix production to pivotal roles in hepatic homeostasis, immunity, and metabolism. The book features methods to isolate, evaluate, and manipulate this cell type in an effort to elucidate hepatic biology and establish prospects for treating disease. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.