Developments in the connection between epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and endoplasmic reticulum stress (Review)

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) have important roles in fibrosis and tumour development. Moderate ERS activates cellular defence mechanisms in response to noxious stimuli; however, sustained or overly strong ERS induces apoptosis. In this disease process, EMT induces epithelial cells to acquire the ability to migrate and invade. Reportedly, ERS directly or indirectly regulates EMT processes through multiple mechanisms (such as key transcription factors, signalling pathways, ferroptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress), and both processes form a complex network of interactions. Given the critical roles of ERS and EMT in disease, targeted intervention of these two processes has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. In the present study, the molecular interaction mechanism of ERS and EMT was systematically explored, research progress in fibrotic and neoplastic diseases was reviewed and the potential application prospects of related targeted therapies were examined, which may provide new ideas for the development of drugs to reverse fibrosis and treat tumours.