The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and tissue regeneration

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2014 May;9(3):196-204. doi: 10.2174/1574888x09666140213154144.

Abstract

Recent studies have brought endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as a special perspective of epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) into eyes. Traditionally, EndMT is considered as a source for fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and it is extensively investigated in physiologic cardiac development as well as in pathologic tumor and fibrosis. Recently, new studies have found that EndMT-transformed cells had 'stemness', which means they could differentiate into chondroblasts, osteoblasts, and adipoblasts in differential culture, respectively. This gives EndMT a bright application future in tissue engineering and regeneration, especially for the formation of cartilage and bone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Endothelium / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Mesoderm / cytology*
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Tissue Engineering*