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Updated: May 6, 2026
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Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
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Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinoma metastasis
1Department of Pharmacology.
Genes & Development
|October 22, 2013
Summary
Tumor metastasis involves cancer cells spreading via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Understanding EMT and its reversal (MET) is key to targeting cancer spread and developing new treatments for metastatic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Tumor metastasis is a complex, multistep process crucial for cancer progression.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key developmental program driving metastasis in carcinomas.
- Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is the reverse process, also implicated in metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of EMT and MET in each step of tumor metastasis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting EMT/MET in metastatic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the functional requirements of EMT and MET in metastasis.
Main Results:
- EMT and MET are dynamically regulated during tumor cell dissemination.
- These transitions are functionally required for various stages of metastasis, including invasion, transport, and colonization.
- Targeting EMT/MET pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- EMT and MET are critical regulators of tumor metastasis.
- Understanding these programs provides insights into metastatic mechanisms.
- Targeting EMT/MET pathways holds promise for novel anti-metastatic therapies.
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