Therapeutic Targeting of Fibrotic Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition –An Outstanding Challenge

Therapeutic Targeting of Fibrotic Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition–An Outstanding Challenge Attila Fintha1, Ákos Gasparics2, László Rosivall3 and Attila Sebe3,4* 12nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary 21st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary 3Department of Pathophysiology, International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary 4Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany Back in 1995, a landmark paper was published, which shaped the fibrosis literature for many years to come. During the characterization of a fibroblast-specific marker (FSP1) in the kidneys, an observation was made, which gave rise to the hypothesis that “fibroblasts in some cases arise from the local conversion of epithelium.” In the following years, epithelial-mesenchymal transition was in the spotlight of fibrosis research, especially in the kidney. However, the hypothesis came under scrutiny following some discouraging findings from lineage tracing experiments and clinical observations. In this review, we provide a timely overview of the current position of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition hypothesis in the context of fibrosis (with a certain focus on renal fibrosis) and highlight some of the potential hurdles and pitfalls preventing therapeutic breakthroughs targeting fibrotic epithelial...
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research