Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

J Crohns Colitis. 2019 Apr 26;13(5):659-668. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy201.

Abstract

Intestinal fibrosis is an inevitable complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], occurring in its two major clinical manifestations: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Fibrosis represents the final outcome of the host reaction to persistent inflammation, which triggers a prolonged wound healing response resulting in the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, eventually leading to intestinal dysfunction. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EMT] represents an embryonic program relaunched during wound healing, fibrosis and cancer. Here we discuss the initial observations and the most recent findings highlighting the role of EMT in IBD-associated intestinal fibrosis and fistulae formation. In addition, we briefly review knowledge on the cognate process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition [EndMT]. Understanding EMT functionality and the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of this mesenchymal programme will permit designing new therapeutic strategies to halt the fibrogenic response in the intestine.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; EMT; EndMT; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; inflammatory bowel disease; intestinal fibrosis; ulcerative colitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / pathology
  • Crohn Disease / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition*
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / pathology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology
  • Intestinal Fistula / pathology
  • Intestines / pathology
  • Mice