Please read Dr. Leggett’s article in Cell Communication and Signaling titled, “The epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the cytoskeleton in bioengineered systems.“
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs when tightly connected epithelial cells acquire a migratory mesenchymal phenotype during embryonic development, wound healing, and disease. Historically, EMT has been associated with a profound reorganization of the cytoskeleton in order to weaken cell–cell attachment and strengthen cell–matrix adhesions, and was first observed by Elizabeth Hay in response to instructive cues from the extracellular matrix. Indeed, tumor invasion and drug resistance are associated with dysregulated extracellular matrix, with aberrant matrix deposition and remodeling resulting in enhanced stiffness . Cytoskeletal elements are well established as EMT biomarkers, particularly intermediate filaments such as keratin (in epithelial cells) and vimentin (in mesenchymal cells). To read the full article.
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the cytoskeleton in bioengineered systems. Cell Commun Signal. 2021 Mar 10;19(1):32. DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00713-2 PMID: 33691719 PMCID: PMC7945251