Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EndoMT)

Abstract

EndoMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells lose their specific markers and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype and express mesenchymal cell products. Endo-MT has been reported to occur in fibrosis-related disease. Current study strongly supports the reality of an EndoMT phenomenon in human disease and expands its biological role beyond fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the occurrence of EndoMT is clearly associated with inflammation and EndoMT is one of the primary drivers of vascular inflammation.