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An Enzyme- and Serum-free Neural Stem Cell Culture Model for EMT Investigation Suited for Drug Discovery
Published on: August 23, 2016
EMT 2.0: shaping epithelia through collective migration.
Céline Revenu1, Darren Gilmour
1European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany. revenu@embl.de
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|May 26, 2009
Summary
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are not always an all-or-nothing process. Fine-tuned EMT allows cohesive epithelial cells to migrate efficiently while maintaining tissue organization.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are crucial for epithelial remodeling.
- Traditionally viewed as an irreversible switch, EMT is now understood to be more dynamic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of a fine-tuned epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- To understand how collective cell migration is regulated.
- To investigate the role of EMT in tissue guidance and shaping.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research on epithelial-mesenchymal transitions.
- Analysis of cellular mechanisms underlying collective cell migration.
- Exploration of developmental and external cues influencing EMT.
Main Results:
- EMT can occur in a graded manner, not just as an "on/off" switch.
- Collective epithelial migration involves a balance between epithelial and mesenchymal states.
- This cohesive migration is regulated by complex internal and external signals.
Conclusions:
- Fine-tuned EMT enables efficient migration of organized epithelial sheets.
- Collective cell motility offers novel mechanisms for tissue guidance and morphogenesis.
- Further research is needed to fully unravel the control and applications of cohesive EMT.
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