Deciphering the loop of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammatory cytokines and cancer immunoediting

The epithelial –mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved, naturally occurring transdifferentiation program that governs changes in cell states along the epithelial versus mesenchymal axis, conferring epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity. Known from embryologists as soon as 1879 [1], EMT has been of inte rest to the research community since Greenburg and Hay first described a mesenchymal-like transformation of epithelial cells when suspended in collagen gels [2]. From then on, EMT and the reverse process, termed mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) are recognized as the foremost trans-differentia tion programs operating during development and ensuring a proper histogenesis and organogenesis, through plastic interconversions between epithelium and mesenchyme [3].

Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - May 30, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Antonella Sistigu, Francesca Di Modugno, Gwenola Manic, Paola Nistic ò Tags: Mini review Source Type: research