Open AccessEmerging role of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases
Author(s) -
Ning Xiaoxuan,
Zhang Kun,
Wu Qingfeng,
Liu Minna,
Sun Shiren
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.13465
Subject(s) - epithelial–mesenchymal transition , fibrosis , pathogenesis , pathological , mesenchymal stem cell , transcription factor , lung , pulmonary fibrosis , pathology , medicine , cancer research , bioinformatics , biology , cancer , gene , genetics , metastasis
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition ( EMT ) is a pathological process that occurs in a variety of diseases, including organ fibrosis. Twist1, a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, is involved in EMT and plays significant roles in various fibrotic diseases. Suppression of the EMT process represents a promising approach for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we discuss the roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases, including those affecting kidney, lung, skin, oral submucosa and other tissues. We aim at providing new insight into the pathogenesis of various fibrotic diseases and facilitating the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for their treatment.