Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) represents a dynamic process during which endothelial cells (ECs) loosen intercellular interactions, break down the basement membrane and undergo alterations in cell polarity to attain a mesenchymal phenotype. The intermediate stage of EndMT, known as partial EndMT, enables cells to exhibit partial functions and characteristics of both ECs and mesenchymal cells. This endows ECs with a unique physiological function and reflects the potential for reversing the EndMT process. In this article, we review the role of EndMT in diverse organs, the molecular network associated with EndMT, the occurrence of EndMT in cardiac physiological activities and pathophysiological damage, as well as the modulators of EndMT to offer novel perspectives for regulating EndMT-related physiological changes and disease progression.