Pathological Insights into Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Feline Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common progressive disorder in cats, with renal fibrosis as its hallmark. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to myofibroblast generation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. While EMT is well studied in humans and rodents, its role in feline CKD remains poorly defined. Aim: This review summarizes current knowledge on EMT in feline CKD, highlighting pathological mechanisms, signaling pathways, diagnostic approaches, and research gaps. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies on EMT, renal fibrosis, and feline CKD. Relevant original articles and high-quality reviews were included. Results: Evidence indicates that feline EMT involves Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, with transcription factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and Zinc finger E-box binding (ZEB) driving epithelial polarity loss, cytoskeletal remodeling, and fibrosis. Histopathology shows tubular basement membrane disruption, interstitial expansion, and ECM accumulation. However, the extent, reversibility, and species-specific features of EMT in cats remain unclear. Conclusion: Clarifying EMT in feline CKD may improve diagnostic precision and therapeutic targeting. Advanced tools, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and digital pathology, could enable earlier detection and support the development of antifibrotic strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antifibrotic therapy ، Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition ، Feline CKD ، Immunohistochemistry ، Renal fibrosis