The repair of superficially damaged intestinal epithelium is initiated by restitution. Restitution is the covering of damaged area by the movement of neighboring epithelial cells without cell proliferation. Phenotypic switching of cells (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) is necessary for the cell movement and this process is controlled by complex intracellular signaling pathways conducting dynamic remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. Restitution is regulated by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, and is modulated by integrin-dependent interactions with the extracellular matrix. Understanding the restitution process suggests several possible therapeutic strategies to enhance gastrointestinal wound healing.