The Impact of Dido on the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract

Each of these cell types displays specific characteristics. Epithelial cells have apicobasal polarity, are connected by cell junctions, and can form epithelial layers that cover many tissues, whereas mesenchymal cells lack apicobasal polarity, are less connected, but are more motile [2]. Both cell types can nonetheless undergo highly connected mutual transitions. EMT and its reverse process MET are thus well-studied in embryonic development, and several rounds of EMT and MET are described for the generation of various organs throughout their differentiation and development. Molecular studies to analyze these transitions show the involvement of several regulatory networks of transcriptional and translational regulators, linked to post-transcriptional and posttranslational modifications. Gene and protein regulation participate in cellular processes such as cell-cell contact, cell adhesion, cell polarity, cytoskeletal organization (which implies cell migration), all of which are responsible for successful, correct transitions [3-5].