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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
10:37
Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
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The role of mesenchymal-epithelial transition in endometrial function
Amma Owusu-Akyaw1, Kavitha Krishnamoorthy1, Laura T Goldsmith1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Human Reproduction Update
|November 9, 2018
Summary
The endometrium uses mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for regeneration and embryo implantation. These processes allow the uterus to repair without scarring, offering insights into wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The human uterine endometrium undergoes cyclic regeneration and remodeling, crucial for reproduction.
- Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are key cellular processes involved in endometrial functions.
- Understanding MET/EMT is vital for endometrial receptivity, decidualization, and embryo implantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and regulation of MET and EMT in the physiological functions of the endometrium.
- To summarize findings on endometrial regeneration, decidualization, and embryo implantation in relation to MET/EMT.
- To highlight the endometrium as a model for scar-free wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed (1970-2018) using keywords related to MET, EMT, and uterine functions.
- Inclusion of studies on endometrial regeneration, decidualization, and embryo implantation.
- Cross-referencing of included publications to identify additional relevant studies.
Main Results:
- MET is implicated in endometrial regeneration and re-epithelialization by stromal cells.
- Stromal cells undergo MET during decidualization, acquiring epithelioid characteristics.
- EMT enables epithelial and decidual cells to gain migratory properties for embryo implantation.
Conclusions:
- MET and EMT play critical roles in endometrial functions essential for successful human reproduction.
- The endometrium's capacity for scar-free repair highlights MET/EMT mechanisms.
- Further research into endometrial MET/EMT could advance understanding of wound healing in general.
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