Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Sara Lovisa, Giannicola Genovese, Silvio Danese

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intestinal fibrosis is an inevitable complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], occurring in its two major clinical manifestations: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Fibrosis represents the final outcome of the host reaction to persistent inflammation, which triggers a prolonged wound healing response resulting in the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, eventually leading to intestinal dysfunction. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EMT] represents an embryonic program relaunched during wound healing, fibrosis and cancer. Here we discuss the initial observations and the most recent findings highlighting the role of EMT in IBD-associated intestinal fibrosis and fistulae formation. In addition, we briefly review knowledge on the cognate process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EndMT]. Understanding EMT functionality and the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of this mesenchymal programme will permit designing new therapeutic strategies to halt the fibrogenic response in the intestine.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)659-668
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Crohn's and Colitis
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2019

Keywords

  • Crohn's disease
  • EMT
  • EndMT
  • epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • intestinal fibrosis
  • ulcerative colitis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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