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Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
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Targeting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to Overcome Drug Resistance in Cancer

Bowen Du1, Joong Sup Shim2

  • 1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China. dbw@mail.ustc.edu.cn.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives cancer drug resistance by altering cell properties, similar to cancer stem cells. Targeting EMT offers a new strategy to overcome treatment resistance in cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in cancer progression and drug resistance.
  • The precise role of EMT in metastasis is debated, but its contribution to drug resistance is increasingly evident.
  • EMT shares characteristics with cancer stem cells (CSCs), including enhanced drug efflux and apoptosis resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which EMT contributes to cancer drug resistance.
  • To review recent advancements in understanding EMT-associated drug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
  • Literature search on EMT, cancer progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cells.

Main Results:

  • EMT confers drug resistance through various signaling pathways.
  • EMT-induced cells exhibit CSC-like properties, such as increased drug efflux and anti-apoptotic effects.
  • Targeting EMT presents a potential therapeutic strategy against drug-resistant cancers.

Conclusions:

  • EMT plays a significant role in cancer drug resistance.
  • Understanding EMT mechanisms is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Targeting EMT pathways may overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
cancer stem cellschemotherapydrug resistanceepithelial–mesenchymal transition

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