[HTML][HTML] Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its implications for fibrosis

R Kalluri, EG Neilson - The Journal of clinical investigation, 2003 - Am Soc Clin Investig
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2003Am Soc Clin Investig
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 …
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.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation