Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its implications for the development of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Despite a lot of research efforts, the origin of renal fibroblasts is still matter of debate. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells could be at least one of the mechanisms by which renal fibroblasts are generated. Every kind of renal injury is potentially able to induce renal tubular cells to go through the various steps of EMT and generate fibroblasts, as it has been demonstrated by experimental models, in vitro experiments, and renal biopsy studies. It means that, if EMT is a common process of progression of renal failure, further studies and a better understanding of this process can lead us to envisage specific treatments to counteract the progression of renal disease.