Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: An emerging target in tissue fibrosis

作者：Li Meirong; Luan Fuxin; Zhao Yali; Hao Haojie; Zhou Yong; Han Weidong; Fu Xiaobing^*

来源：Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2016, 241(1): 1-13.

DOI：10.1177/1535370215597194

• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
• fibroblast
• myofibroblast
• tissue fibrosis
• anti-fibrosis
• TGF-beta
• dedifferentiation
• mesenchymal stem cell

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in a variety of tissue fibroses. Fibroblasts/myofibroblasts derived from epithelial cells contribute to the excessive accumulation of fibrous connective tissue in damaged tissue, which can lead to permanent scarring or organ malfunction. Therefore, EMT-related fibrosis cannot be neglected. This review highlights the findings that demonstrate the EMT to be a direct contributor to the fibroblast/myofibroblast population in the development of tissue fibrosis and helps to elucidate EMT-related anti-fibrotic strategies, which may enable the development of therapeutic interventions to suppress EMT and potentially reverse organ fibrosis.

• 出版日期2016-1
• 单位中国人民解放军总医院