Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Since its first conceptualization over a century ago, the mesenchymal phenotype has traditionally been viewed as either a transient phase between successive epithelial stages or as a feature of cell types primarily devoted to structural support. However, recent findings in cancer research challenge this limited view, demonstrating that mesenchymal traits and hybrid mesenchymal/epithelial states can mark cancer cells with stem cell properties. By analyzing publicly available single-cell transcriptome datasets from early embryonic stages and adult tissues, this study aims to extend this concept beyond pathological contexts, suggesting that a partial or fully mesenchymal phenotype may represent the morphological expression of undifferentiated and multipotent states in both the developing embryo and adult organs.
Source: Journal of Developmental Biology
DOI: 10.3390/jdb13010001
Author: Mirco Galiè
Institution: University of Verona
Language: English
Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,046
Funder: Università degli Studi di Verona
OpenAlex ID: W4405731967