The basics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Raghu Kalluri, Robert A. Weinberg
Raghu Kalluri, Robert A. Weinberg
Published June 1, 2009
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2009;119(6):1420-1428. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI39104.
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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 5

Contribution of EMT to cancer progression.

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Contribution of EMT to cancer progression. Progression from normal epith...
Progression from normal epithelium to invasive carcinoma goes through several stages. The invasive carcinoma stage involves epithelial cells losing their polarity and detaching from the basement membrane. The composition of the basement membrane also changes, altering cell-ECM interactions and signaling networks. The next step involves EMT and an angiogenic switch, facilitating the malignant phase of tumor growth. Progression from this stage to metastatic cancer also involves EMTs, enabling cancer cells to enter the circulation and exit the blood stream at a remote site, where they may form micro- and macro-metastases, which may involve METs and thus a reversion to an epithelial phenotype.