Material Strategies for Modulating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transitions

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biomaterials science
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process involving phenotypic changes, crucial for development and repair, but also implicated in fibrosis and cancer.
• EMT is influenced by various chemical and mechanical factors, including specific signaling pathways (NF-κB, Wnt, Notch) and extracellular matrix (ECM) properties.
• Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a key EMT inducer, with its activation potentially mediated by mechanical forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of mechanical stimuli, particularly tissue and material stiffness, in driving EMT.
• To present material-based strategies for modulating EMT.
• To discuss the drivers of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and related material strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on recent findings in EMT and EndoMT research.
• Analysis of studies investigating the impact of mechanical cues on cellular transitions.
• Examination of biomaterial approaches for controlling these cellular processes.

Main Results:

• Mechanical stimuli, including material stiffness, are significant drivers of EMT.
• Biomaterial properties can be engineered to influence and control EMT.
• Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) shares drivers with EMT, and material strategies are being developed for its control.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical forces play a critical role in regulating EMT and EndoMT.
• Biomaterials offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting EMT and EndoMT.
• Understanding mechanotransduction is key to developing effective strategies for fibrotic diseases and cancer treatment.