Role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in orofacial development - An insight

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition, commonly known as EMT, plays the dominant role in the developmental process, wound repair and tissue regeneration, and metastasis. EMT is classified into Type I, Type II, and Type III based on the molecular pathway it affects. Various molecular players such as transcription factors, growth factors, and cytokines play a significant role in the transition from epithelial cell type to mesenchymal cell type by change in the cell surface markers as well as the physiological changes such as increased mobility and invasiveness of the altered cell. In orofacial development, EMT plays a crucial role in organogenesis such as salivary gland development and tooth development. It is also contributory to palatogenesis.