Figure 2.

Overview of the EndMT process. Graphical summary of the complex morphological, molecular, and functional changes characterizing EndMT. In response to different stimuli (such as IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α), ECs are activated and undergo EndMT to differentiate towards mesenchymal-like cells. Morphologically, ECs gradually lose their cobblestone structure and cell–cell junctions to acquire an elongated phenotype. This is accompanied by reduced EC-specific marker expression (e.g. CD31, CDH5, and vWF) and increased mesenchymal markers (e.g. TAGLN, α-SMA, FSP-1, COL1A1, CD105, and SCA1). ECs may undergo intermediate or complete EndMT based on net signalling cues. Intermediate EndMT gives rise to intermediary cells that coexpress endothelial and mesenchymal markers. Ultimately, EndMT-derived mesenchymal and mesenchymal-like cells lose most of their endothelial functions and show increased migratory and invasive capacities.