Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-beta, and osteopontin in wound healing and tissue remodeling after injury Journal Article


Authors: Weber, C. E.; Li, N. Y.; Wai, P. Y.; Kuo, P. C.
Article Title: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-beta, and osteopontin in wound healing and tissue remodeling after injury
Abstract: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process essential to wound healing and tissue remodeling after a thermal burn or other injury. EMT is characterized by phenotypic changes in epithelial cells that render them apolar, with decreased cell-cell adhesions, increased motility, and changes in cytoskeletal architecture similar to mesenchymal stem cells. With regard to healing a thermal burn wound, many facets of wound healing necessitate cells to undergo these phenotypic changes; two will be described in the following review. The first is the differentiation of epithelial cells into myofibroblasts that rebuild the extracellular matrix and facilitate wound contraction. The second is reepithelialization by keratinocytes. The primary cytokine signal identified in the literature that triggers EMT is transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. In addition to its vital role in the induction of EMT, TGF-beta has many other roles in the wound healing process. The following review will provide evidence that EMT is a central event in wound healing. It will also show the importance of a regulated amount of TGF-beta for proper wound healing. Finally, osteopontin will be briefly discussed with its relation to wound healing and its connections to EMT and TGF-beta.
Journal Title: Journal of Burn Care Research
Volume: 33
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1559-0488
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 311
End Page: 318
Language: English
DOI/URL:
Notes: ID: 12525; Record Owner: From MEDLINE, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.; Status: MEDLINE; [Review]; Publishing Model: Journal available in: Print Citation processed from: Internet; NLM Journal Code: 101262774; CAS Registry/EC Number/Name of Substance: 0 (Biological Markers). 0 (Transforming Growth Factor beta). 106441-73-0 (Osteopontin).; Grant Number: R01 GM065113 (United States NIGMS NIH HHS); Entry Date: 20120917