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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
09:40

Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Published on: June 20, 2018

[Signal transduction on transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cell]

Mei Zhang1, Xiao-Mei Li

  • 1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, First Hospital and Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing 100034.

Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan [Progress in Physiology]
|October 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Epithelial cells can transform into mesenchymal cells, a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This review explores the signaling pathways involved in EMT, particularly in kidney diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Context:

  • Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process observed in development and disease.
  • EMT involves the transformation of stationary epithelial cells into migratory mesenchymal cells.
  • Signaling pathways like MAPK, Rho, Src, PI3 kinase, and Smads are implicated in mediating EMT.

Purpose:

  • To review the current understanding of intracellular signaling pathways regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • To highlight the specific role of EMT in renal diseases, focusing on renal tubular epithelial cells transitioning to myo-fibroblasts.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge regarding the signaling mechanisms underlying EMT in kidney pathologies.

Summary:

  • This review synthesizes information on the molecular mechanisms driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • It details the involvement of key intracellular signaling cascades in this cellular reprogramming.
  • The focus extends to the understudied signaling pathways governing EMT in the context of renal tubular cells and kidney disease progression.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of EMT signaling pathways for researchers in cell biology and nephrology.
  • Identifies critical knowledge gaps concerning EMT in renal pathology, guiding future research directions.
  • Enhances understanding of cellular plasticity in kidney diseases, potentially informing therapeutic strategies.

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