The basics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Raghu Kalluri, Robert A. Weinberg
Raghu Kalluri, Robert A. Weinberg
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The basics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Abstract

The origins of the mesenchymal cells participating in tissue repair and pathological processes, notably tissue fibrosis, tumor invasiveness, and metastasis, are poorly understood. However, emerging evidence suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) represent one important source of these cells. As we discuss here, processes similar to the EMTs associated with embryo implantation, embryogenesis, and organ development are appropriated and subverted by chronically inflamed tissues and neoplasias. The identification of the signaling pathways that lead to activation of EMT programs during these disease processes is providing new insights into the plasticity of cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions.

Authors

Raghu Kalluri, Robert A. Weinberg

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Figure 4

Origin of fibroblasts during fibrosis and its reversal by BMP-7.

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Origin of fibroblasts during fibrosis and its reversal by BMP-7. (A) Dif...
(A) Different sources of fibroblasts in organ fibrosis. Four possible mechanisms are depicted. One study suggests that about 12% of fibroblasts are from bone marrow, about 30% can arise via local EMT involving tubular epithelial cells under inflammatory stress, and about 35% are from EndMT (1). The remaining percentage likely emerge via proliferation of the resident fibroblasts and other still unidentified sources. (B) Systemic treatment of mice with renal fibrosis with recombinant human BMP-7 reverses renal disease due to severe attenuation of the formation of EMT- and EndMT-derived fibroblasts.