title: Molecular and pathological signatures of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions at the cancer invasion front.
abstract: Reduction of epithelial cell-cell adhesion via the transcriptional repression of cadherins in combination with the acquisition of mesenchymal properties are key determinants of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is associated with early stages of carcinogenesis, cancer invasion and recurrence. Furthermore, the tumor stroma dictates EMT through intensive bidirectional communication. The pathological analysis of EMT signatures is critically, especially to determine the presence of cancer cells at the resection margins of a tumor. When diffusion barriers disappear, EMT markers may be detected in sera from cancer patients. The detection of EMT signatures is not only important for diagnosis but can also be exploited to enhance classical chemotherapy treatments. In conclusion, further detailed understanding of the contextual cues and molecular mediators that control EMT will be required in order to develop diagnostic tools and small molecule inhibitors with potential clinical implications.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. olivier.dewever@UGent.be
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: De Wever
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pauwels
authors.forename: Bram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: De Craene
authors.forename: Michèle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabbah
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Emami
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Redeuilh
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gespach
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bracke
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Berx
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*