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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Non-coding RNAs take centre stage in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
1Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols CSIC-UAM Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain. acano@iib.uam.es
Trends in Cell Biology
|July 1, 2008
Summary
Noncoding RNAs, including the miR-200 family, regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs. These molecules impact the epithelial phenotype by controlling zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox factors, influencing cell transitions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Noncoding RNAs play crucial roles in gene expression regulation.
- The miR-200 family and natural antisense transcripts are implicated in controlling mRNA targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of noncoding RNAs in regulating the epithelial phenotype.
- To understand the mechanisms by which miR-200 and natural antisense transcripts affect epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression data.
- Investigating the regulatory interactions between noncoding RNAs and target genes.
Main Results:
- The miR-200 family and a natural antisense transcript regulate the epithelial phenotype.
- These noncoding RNAs target zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox factors ZEB1 and ZEB2, which are repressors of E-cadherin.
Conclusions:
- Noncoding RNAs are key regulators of the epithelial phenotype.
- Understanding these regulatory pathways provides insights into epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in health and disease.
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