Epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a spectrum of states : Role in lung development, homeostasis, and disease
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays key roles during lung development and many lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, integrating morphological observations with underlying molecular mechanisms, we highlight the functional role of EMT in lung development and injury repair, and discuss how it can contribute to pathoge