Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT): A biological process in the development, stem cell differentiation, and tumorigenesis

The lineage transition between epithelium and mesenchyme is a process known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), by which polarized epithelial cells lose their adhesion property and obtain mesenchymal cell phenotypes. EMT is a biological process that is often involved in embryogenesis and diseases, such as cancer invasion and metastasis. The EMT and the reverse process, mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), also play important roles in stem cell differentiation and de‐differentiation (or reprogramming). In this review, we will discuss current research progress of EMT in embryonic development, cellular differentiation and reprogramming, and cancer progression, all of which are representative models…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 81561138002, 31371480, 91542109
• PO
  Program of Shanghai Subject Chief Scientist
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: R01 DK106109