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10:37
Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Biomarkers for epithelial-mesenchymal transitions
Michael Zeisberg1, Eric G Neilson
1Division of Matrix Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. mzeisber@bidmc.harvard.edu
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 3, 2009
Summary
Somatic cells exhibit plasticity, with epithelial and endothelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This perspective proposes classifying EMT into three types based on context and plasticity biomarkers for consistent study.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Somatic cells possess plasticity, enabling phenotype changes.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) demonstrates cell plasticity, particularly in epithelial and endothelial cells.
- Current literature lacks standardized criteria for identifying EMT events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the uncertainty in EMT identification across studies.
- To propose a framework for classifying EMT based on context and biomarkers.
- To enhance the consistency and reproducibility of EMT research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cell plasticity and EMT.
- Analysis of contextual factors influencing EMT.
- Identification and evaluation of plasticity biomarkers associated with EMT.
Main Results:
- EMT is a complex process with potential for at least three distinct types.
- Context-dependent changes in plasticity biomarkers are key identifiers of EMT.
- A unified set of criteria can improve the reliability of studying EMT.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing EMT criteria is crucial for consistent research.
- Recognizing different EMT types aids in understanding cell plasticity.
- This framework facilitates accurate identification of epithelial and endothelial cells transitioning to a motile phenotype.
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