  The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal (EMT) is a fundamental
cellular process that plays critical roles in development, cancer metastasis,
and tissue wound healing. EMT is not a binary process but involves multiple
partial EMT states that give rise to a high degree of cell state plasticity.
Here, we first reviewed several studies on theoretical predictions and
experimental verification of these intermediate states, the role of partial EMT
on kidney fibrosis development, and how quantitative signaling information
controls cell commitment to partial or full EMT upon transient signals. Next,
we summarized existing knowledge and open questions on the coupling between EMT
and other biological processes, such as the cell cycle, epigenetic regulation,
stemness, and apoptosis. Taken together, EMT is a model system that has
attracted increasing interests for quantitative experimental and theoretical
studies.
