Heterogeneity and dynamic of EMT through the plasticity of ribosome and mRNA translation

Growing evidence exposes translation and its translational machinery as key players in establishing and maintaining physiological and pathological biological processes. Examining translation may not only provide new biological insight but also identify novel innovative therapeutic targets in several fields of biology, including that of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is currently considered as a dynamic and reversible trans differentiation process sustaining the transition from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, known to be mainly driven by transcriptional reprogramming. However, it seems that the characterization of EMT plasticity is challenging, relying exclusively on transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches. Indeed, heterogeneity in EMT programs was reported to depend on the biological context. Here, by reviewing the involvement of translational control, translational machinery and ribosome biogenesis characterizing the different types of EMT, from embryonic and adult physiological to pathological contexts, we discuss the added value of integrating translational control and its machinery to depict the heterogeneity and dynamics of EMT programs.

Automated summary

Growing evidence suggests that translation and its translational machinery play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining physiological and pathological biological processes. This review examines the involvement of translational control, translational machinery, and ribosome biogenesis in different types of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), from embryonic and adult physiological to pathological contexts. The authors discuss the potential of integrated translational control and machinery to depict the heterogeneity and dynamics of EMT programs.