ABSTRACT
Development is characterized by the occurrence of repeated epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transformations that result in the appearance of fibroblast-like cells showing invasive potential. Embryonic epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transformations are accompanied by the reverse process in which epithelia are reconstituted. Gastrulation is a pivotal event comprising a complex series of morphogenetic and inductive interactions that result in the laying down of the basic body plan. It involves major cell rearrangements in precise spatiotemporal sequences and provides a well-defined and accessible example of embryonic cell transformation and invasion. Gastrulation is a pivotal event comprising a complex series of morphogenetic and inductive interactions that result in the laying down of the basic body plan. It involves major cell rearrangements in precise spatiotemporal sequences and provides a well-defined and accessible example of embryonic cell transformation and invasion.
