Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its implications for fibrosis.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a central mechanism for diversifying the cells found in complex tissues. This dynamic process helps organize the formation of the body plan, and while EMT is well studied in the context of embryonic development, it also plays a role in the genesis of fibroblasts during organ fibrosis in adult tissues. Emerging evidence from studies of renal fibrosis suggests that more than a third of all disease-related fibroblasts originate from tubular epithelia at the site of injury. This review highlights recent advances in the process of EMT signaling in health and disease and how it may be attenuated or reversed by selective cytokines and growth factors.
Kalluri
Raghu
R
Center for Matrix Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave. (DANA 514), Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. rKalluri@BIDMC.Harvard.edu
Neilson
Eric G
EG
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006133:Growth Substances; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D020543:Proteome
D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances; D020543:Proteome