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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
Published on: August 3, 2018
Shifting Shapes: The Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Driver for Cancer Progression
Lucia Giordanengo1, Alessia Proment1,2, Virginia Botta1
1Department of Oncology, Translational Oncology Laboratory "Paola Gilardi", San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
Abstract:
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a dynamic cellular process characterized by a phenotypic-functional switch of cells from endothelial-to-mesenchymal traits. Many studies have identified EndMT as a key driver of tumor growth and progression. EndMT supports tumor cell proliferation by creating a tumor microenvironment that facilitates cancer cell survival. Notably, EndMT is an important source of cancer-associated fibroblasts, leads to immune dysregulation and immune escape, and supports metastasis and resistance to therapy. Hence, understanding the intricate relationship between EndMT and cancer progression offers exciting new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review aims to describe the central role of EndMT in tumor progression, highlighting the molecular mechanisms underlying this endothelial alteration and its significant involvement at all stages of tumor progression.
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