Epithelial- and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: New insights into fibrotic diseases and possible therapeutic strategies using animal models

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are fundamental biological processes that shape human development and drive disease progression. These transitions enable cellular plasticity, allowing epithelial and endothelial cells to acquire a fibroblast-like phenotype essential for tissue remodeling. During embryogenesis, EMT and EndMT orchestrate critical events such as neural crest migration, gastrulation (the formation of the three germ layers), and heart valve development. Beyond development, these mechanisms underpin wound healing and contribute to pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, where unchecked transitions fuel tumor invasion and metastasis. The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together a collection of papers that illustrate the signaling pathways, transcriptional regulators, and epigenetic modifications that govern these transitions, as well as their therapeutic implications. By elucidating strategies to modulate EMT and EndMT, these studies aim to advance interventions that slow or reverse disease processes, particularly cancer progression and fibrotic disorders.In view of this, we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators of EMT and EndMT• Epigenetic and post-transcriptional control of cellular transitions• Lineage tracing and methods for identifying transition states in vivo• EMT and EndMT in brain injury and neurological fibrosis• EndMT and cardiac or vascular fibrosis• EMT and EndMT in respiratory and gastrointestinal fibrosis• Renal fibrosis and transition-associated mechanisms• Fibrotic disease in metabolic disorders• Therapeutic approaches to modulate EMT or EndMT in animal models• Model selection, reproducibility, and translation of preclinical findingsWe welcome original research articles, perspectives, and reviews. Topic editors: Philip Peplow, Bridget Martinez, MD, PhD Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86823/epithelial--and-endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition-new-insights-into-fibrotic-diseases-and-possible-therapeutic-strategies-using-animal-models