ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is when our body's cells change shape and behavior. It's like transforming from a butterfly to a caterpillar, but backwards!

Our body has different kinds of cells, and some are called epithelial cells. They are like bricks that hold together to make our skin, our organs, and the inside of our body tubes. But sometimes, these cells need to change into another kind of cell called mesenchymal cells.

These mesenchymal cells look and act differently, they can move around and make things like bones and muscles. This change is important for things like healing and growth.

Scientists believe that there is a special process that makes epithelial cells turn into mesenchymal cells, and that is called the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It's like taking off a mask from the face of the brick (epithelial cell) and giving it a new shape and personality (mesenchymal cell).

This transition is important for many things, like growing a baby, repairing body parts, and fighting diseases. But sometimes, cells can change into mesenchymal cells in the wrong way, and that can make diseases worse, like cancer.

So, scientists are studying this process to learn more and find ways to stop cells from changing in the wrong way. They want to help people recover from illnesses and diseases better.