Mechanisms of disease: epithelial-mesenchymal transition--does cellular plasticity fuel neoplastic progression?
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a phenotypic conversion that facilitates organ morphogenesis and tissue remodeling in physiological processes, such as embryonic development and wound healing. A similar phenotypic conversion is also detected in fibrotic diseases and neoplasia, and is associated with disease progression. EMT in cancer epithelial cells often seems to be an incomplete and bidirectional process. In this Review, we discuss the phenomenon of EMT as it pertains to tumor development, focusing on exceptions to the commonly held rule that EMT promotes invasion and metastasis. We also highlight the role of RAS-controlled signaling mediators, ERK1, ERK2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, as microenvironmental responsive regulators of EMT.
Turley
Eva A
EA
London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Veiseh
Mandana
M
Radisky
Derek C
DC
Bissell
Mina J
MJ
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D018450:Disease Progression; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009385:Neoplastic Processes