Context-dependent EMT programs in cancer metastasis
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process whereby stationary, adherent cells acquire the ability to migrate. EMT is critical for dramatic cellular movements during embryogenesis; however, tumor cells can reactivate EMT programs, which increases their aggressiveness. In addition to motility, EMT is associated with enhanced stem cell properties and drug resistance; thus it can drive metastasis, tumor recurrence, and therapy resistance in the context of cancer. However, the precise requirements for EMT in metastasis have not been fully delineated, with different tumor types relying on discrete EMT effectors. Most tumor cells do not undergo a full EMT, but rather adopt some qualities of mesenchymal cells and maintain some epithelial characteristics. Emerging evidence suggests that partial EMT can drive distinct migratory properties and enhance the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells as well as cell fate plasticity. This review discusses the diverse regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences of EMT, with an emphasis on the importance of partial EMT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1084/jem.20181827
Entities
People
- Nicole M. Aiello
- Yibin Kang
Organizations
- Brewster Place
- National Institutes of Health
- Princeton University
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- United States Department of Defense