The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in development and cancer Review


Authors: Francou, A.; Anderson, K. V.
Review Title: The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in development and cancer
Abstract: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are complex cellular processes where cells undergo dramatic changes in signaling, transcriptional programming, and cell shape, while directing the exit of cells from the epithelium and promoting migratory properties of the resulting mesenchyme. EMTs are essential for morphogenesis during development and are also a critical step in cancer progression and metastasis formation. Here we provide an overview of the molecular regulation of the EMT process during embryo development, focusing on chick and mouse gastrulation and neural crest development. We go on to describe how EMT regulators participate in the progression of pancreatic and breast cancer in mouse models, and discuss the parallels with developmental EMTs and how these help to understand cancer EMTs. We also highlight the differences between EMTs in tumor and in development to arrive at a broader view of cancer EMT. We conclude by discussing how further advances in the field will rely on in vivo dynamic imaging of the cellular events of EMT. Copyright © 2020 by Annual Reviews.
Keywords: review; cancer growth; nonhuman; pancreas cancer; metastasis; breast cancer; basement membrane; molecular dynamics; embryo development; morphogenesis; regulatory mechanism; development; neural crest; cell shape; cadherin; cytoskeleton; mesenchyme; gastrulation; mouse model; chick; epithelial mesenchymal transition; priority journal; malignant neoplasm; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, gastrulation, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, cancer progression, intravital imaging; amniote
Journal Title: Annual Review of Cancer Biology
Volume: 4
ISSN: 2472-3428
Publisher: Annual Reviews  
Date Published: 2020-01-01
Start Page: 197
End Page: 220
Language: English
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030518-055425
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 34113749
PMCID: PMC8189433
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 June 2020 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Kathryn Anderson
    148 Anderson