ZEB1: New advances in fibrosis and cancer

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is an important transcription factor in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) which participates in the numerous life processes, such as embryonic development, fibrosis and tumor progression. ZEB1 has multiple functions in human body and plays a crucial part in some life processes. ZEB1 is vital for the formation and development of the organs in the embryonic period. The abnormal expression of ZEB1 is a predictor for the poor prognosis or the poor survival in several cancers. ZEB1 contributes to the occurrence of fibrosis, cancer and even chemoresistance. Some research is indicated that fibrosis is finally developed into the cancers. Therefore, ZEB1 is probably taken as a biomarker in fibrosis or cancer. In this review, it is predicted of the structure of ZEB1 and the protein binding sites of ZEB1 with some protein, and it is discussed about the roles of ZEB1 in fibrosis and cancer progression to elaborate the potential applications of ZEB1 in clinic.