Molecular mechanisms of epithelial–mesenchymal transition

S Lamouille, J Xu, R Derynck - Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2014 - nature.com
S Lamouille, J Xu, R Derynck
Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2014nature.com
The transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells, a process known as
epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), is integral in development, wound healing and
stem cell behaviour, and contributes pathologically to fibrosis and cancer progression. This
switch in cell differentiation and behaviour is mediated by key transcription factors, including
SNAIL, zinc-finger E-box-binding (ZEB) and basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors, the
functions of which are finely regulated at the transcriptional, translational and post …
Abstract
The transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells, a process known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), is integral in development, wound healing and stem cell behaviour, and contributes pathologically to fibrosis and cancer progression. This switch in cell differentiation and behaviour is mediated by key transcription factors, including SNAIL, zinc-finger E-box-binding (ZEB) and basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors, the functions of which are finely regulated at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. The reprogramming of gene expression during EMT, as well as non-transcriptional changes, are initiated and controlled by signalling pathways that respond to extracellular cues. Among these, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family signalling has a predominant role; however, the convergence of signalling pathways is essential for EMT.
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