Signature and Mechanism of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract

The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a conserved developmental process that is thought to be reactivated during the metastasis of epithelial cancers such as breast cancer. This study seeks to identify genes commonly regulated in the EMT, and identify key regulators of the process. An EMT core gene signature of approximately 1000 genes was generated, from which the transcription factor Zeb1 emerged as a potent key regulator of the EMT. Zeb1 demonstrated a much stronger EMT-inducing ability than previously known factors, and was demonstrated to be both sufficient for EMT and necessary for maintenance of the mesenchymal phenotype. Efforts are underway to construct the genetic circuit stemming from Zeb1. A Zeb1-induced EMT model is also being employed to study the role of EMT in cancer metastasis in vivo.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA549247

Entities

People

  • Kong J. Kah

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Department Of Defense
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Gene Expression
  • Massachusetts
  • Metastasis
  • Neoplasms
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transitions
  • United States

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology