reviewJournal of Clinical InvestigationJun 1, 2009BRONZE OA

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

RKRaghu Kalluri

Harvard University · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

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.

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963
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Authors

1

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Epithelial–mesenchymal transition
  • Mesenchymal stem cell
  • Embryonic stem cell
  • Wound healing
  • Metastasis
  • Biology
  • Cancer
  • Fibrosis
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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