Getting started for migration: A focus on EMT cellular dynamics and mechanics in developmental models

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible cell state change vital for animal development (e.g., gastrulation, organogenesis).
• In cancer, EMT is linked to increased drug resistance, motility, and invasiveness, making it a key focus in pathology.
• While upstream signals and transcription factors driving EMT are known, the cellular dynamics of this transition remain poorly understood, especially in cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current knowledge on the stepwise cellular processes of EMT across diverse model organisms.
• To elucidate the cellular dynamics and mechanics involved during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
• To propose a conceptual framework for EMT cell dynamics, from initial reorganization to detachment from the epithelium.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing findings from various model organisms (sea urchin, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse, chicken).
• Focus on cellular dynamics, mechanics, and morphological changes during the transitional stages of EMT.
• Integration of data on cell-cell interactions, mechanical force generation, and tissue-level interplay.

Main Results:

• EMT involves a stepwise progression where epithelial cells gradually acquire mesenchymal characteristics.
• Cells undergoing EMT generate mechanical forces along their apico-basal axis prior to detaching from neighboring cells.
• The interplay between transitioning cells and their surrounding tissue microenvironment is a critical aspect of EMT.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of EMT requires detailed analysis of cellular mechanics and dynamics during the transition.
• The proposed conceptual framework integrates the sequential cellular events of EMT, offering new insights into this fundamental biological process.
• Further research into the cellular execution of EMT, particularly in cancer, is crucial for understanding disease progression and developing therapies.