Renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition in kidney fibrosis / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition ( EMT) , a process by which differentiated epithelial cells under-go a phenotypic conversion that gives rise to the matrix-producing fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, is increasingly recognized as an integral part of tissue fibrogenesis after injury.However, the degree to which renal tubular epithelial EMT contributes to kidney fibrosis remains a matter of intense debate and is likely to be context-dependent.Renal tubular EMT is an adap-tive response of epithelial cells to a hostile or changing microenvironment and is regulated by many factors.Several intrace-llular signal transduction pathways such as transforming growth factor-β( TGF-β)/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling are essential in controlling the process of renal tubular epithelial EMT which are potential targets of antifibrotic therapy present-ly.This review highlights the current understanding of renal tubular epithelial EMT and its underlying mechanisms to stimu-late further discussion on its role in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis.