EMT: When epithelial cells decide to become mesenchymal-like cells

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

766 Scopus citations

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for appropriate embryonic development, and this process is re-engaged in adults during wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis, and cancer progression. Inflammation is a crucial conspirator in the emergence of EMT in adults but is absent during embryonic development. As highlighted in this Review series, EMT is now a recognized mechanism for dispersing cells in embryos, forming fibroblasts/mesenchymal cells in injured tissues, and initiating metastasis of epithelial cancer cells. Also discussed are proposals to classify EMT into three subtypes, each of which has different functional consequences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1417-1419
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume119
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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