title: Generation of cardiac progenitor cells through epicardial to mesenchymal transition.
abstract: The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that drives the formation of cells involved both in tissue repair and in pathological conditions, including tissue fibrosis and tumor metastasis by providing cancer cells with stem cell properties. Recent findings suggest that EMT is reactivated in the heart following ischemic injury. Specifically, epicardial EMT might be involved in the formation of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) that can differentiate into endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and, possibly, cardiomyocytes. The identification of mechanisms and signaling pathways governing EMT-derived CPC generation and differentiation may contribute to the development of a more efficient regenerative approach for adult heart repair. Here, we summarize key literature in the field.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio di Patologia Vascolare, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Germani
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Foglio
authors.forename: Maurizio C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Capogrossi
authors.forename: Matteo Antonio
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Limana
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000473:pathology*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000166:cytology*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000166:cytology; D010496:Pericardium / Q000166:cytology*; D015398:Signal Transduction