Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Molecular Mechanisms, Biological Significance and Clinical Implications in Health Disease

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process that plays a critical role in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, fibrosis, and cancer progression. This book provides a comprehensive and structured overview of EMT, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and clinical relevance in oral and maxillofacial pathology.The text systematically explores the three biological subtypes of EMT, detailing their roles in development (Type 1), wound healing and fibrosis (Type 2), and tumor progression and metastasis (Type 3). Special focus is given to key regulatory pathways including TGF-ß, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and microRNA networks, along with their contribution to cellular plasticity and disease progression.In addition, the book highlights the role of EMT in oral diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis and head and neck cancers, providing insights into diagnostic markers, therapeutic targets, and drug resistance mechanisms.Designed for postgraduate students, researchers, and clinicians in oral pathology and related biomedical sciences, this work bridges fundamental concepts with clinical applications, offering a concise yet in-depth understanding of EMT in both physiological and pathological contexts.