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Updated: May 12, 2026

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Role of STAT3 in cancer cell epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (Review)
Guoan Zhang1, Sen Hou1, Shuyue Li1
1Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Since its discovery, the role of the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in both normal physiology and the pathology of numerous diseases, including cancer, has been extensively studied. STAT3 is aberrantly activated in different types of cancer, fulfilling a critical role in cancer progression. The biological process, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), is indispensable for embryonic morphogenesis. During the development of cancer, EMT is hijacked to confer motility, tumor cell stemness, drug resistance and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. The aim of the present review was to outline recent advances in knowledge of the role of STAT3 in EMT, which may contribute to the understanding of the function of STAT3 in EMT in various types of cancer. Delineating the underlying mechanisms associated with the STAT3‑EMT signaling axis may generate novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
Insights
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a key role in cancer progression. This review explores how STAT3 influences epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), offering insights into cancer development and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a crucial transcription factor involved in normal physiology and disease pathology, particularly cancer.
- Aberrant STAT3 activation is frequently observed in various cancers, driving tumor progression.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital biological process for embryonic development, often co-opted by cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the STAT3-EMT interplay is essential for comprehending cancer biology.
- Targeting the STAT3-EMT pathway may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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