Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells in renal fibrosis: a new twist on an old tale

Kidney Int. 2016 Feb;89(2):263-6. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2015.12.025.

Abstract

Recent publications have questioned whether epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells is an important contributor to renal fibrosis. Two recent publications describe an intratubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like program of epithelial cell dedifferentiation that may contribute to the recruitment or proliferation of interstitial myofibroblasts after kidney injury.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition*
  • Fibrosis
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology*