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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
10:37
Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
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Intermediate cell states in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Yutong Sha1, Daniel Haensel, Guadalupe Gutierrez
1Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America. Co-first authors.
Physical Biology
|December 19, 2018
Summary
Intermediate cell states (ICSs) during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial for development and disease. Research is advancing the identification and understanding of these hybrid cells, despite functional challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves dynamic cell state changes.
- Cells can exist in hybrid states (intermediate cell states, ICSs) rather than purely epithelial or mesenchymal forms.
- ICSs and EMT are implicated in embryogenesis, tissue development, and cancer metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on intermediate cell states (ICSs) in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- To highlight challenges in identifying and functionally characterizing ICSs.
- To improve understanding of ICS roles in development and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of single-cell experimental data.
- Examination of mathematical modeling approaches.
Main Results:
- Single-cell experiments and mathematical modeling have enhanced ICS identification.
- ICSs appear to play significant roles alongside EMT in biological processes.
- The precise functions of ICSs are still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Intermediate cell states (ICSs) are key to understanding epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in ICS identification and functional characterization.
- Understanding ICSs is vital for insights into development and diseases like cancer metastasis.
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