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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in malignant mesothelioma
Ambrogio Fassina1, Rocco Cappellesso, Vincenza Guzzardo
1Department of Diagnostic Medical Sciences and Special Therapies, Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. ambrogio.fassina@unipd.it
Summary
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives malignant mesothelioma's dual phenotype. Down-regulation of miR-205 correlates with mesenchymal traits and aggressive behavior in this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma exhibits epithelioid and sarcomatoid features, with sarcomatoid histology linked to poorer prognosis.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process where epithelial cells gain mesenchymal characteristics, is implicated in this dual phenotype.
- Understanding EMT's role is crucial for diagnosing and treating malignant mesothelioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the histopathological features of malignant mesothelioma.
- To analyze the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers across different mesothelioma subtypes.
- To explore the functional impact of miR-205 on EMT markers and cell behavior in mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to analyze 109 malignant mesothelioma samples.
- Gene and protein expression of EMT markers were assessed across epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic mesothelioma subtypes.
- miR-205 expression and its effects on EMT markers (ZEB1, ZEB2, E-cadherin) and cell invasion were studied in mesothelioma cell lines.
Main Results:
- A clear transition from epithelial markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin, cytokeratins 5/6) to mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, Slug, Twist, ZEB1, ZEB2, S100A4, MMP2, MMP9) was observed from epithelioid to sarcomatoid histotypes.
- Ectopic expression of miR-205 in mesothelioma cell lines reduced ZEB1/ZEB2, increased E-cadherin, and inhibited cell migration and invasion.
- Significantly lower miR-205 levels were detected in biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma subtypes compared to epithelioid subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in the morphological diversity and progression of malignant mesothelioma.
- Down-regulation of miR-205 is associated with a mesenchymal phenotype and more aggressive behavior in malignant mesothelioma.
- Targeting miR-205 or EMT pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for aggressive malignant mesothelioma.
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