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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
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Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
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Transcriptome Landscape of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Human Stem Cell-Derived RPE
Srinivasa R Sripathi1, Ming-Wen Hu1, Melissa M Liu1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Stem Cell Ocular Regenerative Medicine Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|April 1, 2021
Summary
Injury to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggers epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study reveals molecular pathways and identifies axon guidance molecules as key players in RPE-EMT, offering potential therapeutic targets for retinal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in various retinal diseases.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying RPE-EMT are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular changes during RPE-EMT.
- To identify key signaling pathways and regulatory networks involved in RPE-EMT.
Main Methods:
- Time-course transcriptomic analysis of human stem cell-derived RPE (hRPE) monolayers.
- EMT induction via enzymatic dissociation or TGF-β signaling modulation.
- RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, immunostaining, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).
Main Results:
- Both induction methods triggered RPE-EMT, increasing mesenchymal factors and decreasing RPE differentiation factors.
- IPA identified upstream regulators and master switches of RPE-EMT.
- Significant dysregulation of axon guidance molecules was observed during RPE-EMT.
Conclusions:
- Temporal transcriptome profiles provide a resource for understanding RPE-EMT dynamics.
- Identified pathways may offer novel therapeutic targets for retinal diseases.
