The dataset contains high-throughput mRNA sequencing reads (FASTA files, extension .fq.gz) of human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatic stellate cells (scHSCs). The sequencing was performed by the Novogene UK Cambridge Sequencing Center.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are hepatic pericytes. They exist in a quiescent state during homeostasis and transdifferentiate to an activated state during liver injury and disease. In the activated state, the HSCs are described as losing their vitamin A-storing lipid droplets.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b) is a potent activator of HSCs. Starvation of vitamin A (retinol) and lipid (palmitic acid) media supplementation has also been proposed to affect the HSC activation status.

In this dataset, the mRNA of scHSCs derived from four different human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines were sequenced by Novogene (see https://www.novogene.com/eu-en/). scHSCs from all hPSC lines were divided into four groups, each performed in technical triplicates, and treated for 48 hours to assess activation-related changes to the transcriptomes. The project aimed at providing novel information on the relationship between scHSC activation and vitamin A and lipids.

The scHSCs treatments were: - "Control", meaning no treatment. - "Starvation", meaning starvation of retinol and palmitic acid media supplementation. - "TGFb", meaning treatment with 25 ng/mL TGF-b. - "Starvation + TGFb", combining the "Starvation" and "TGFb" treatments.