Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets

Xiangpeng Wang, Xiaoxia Xue, Mingshi Pang, Liuchunyang Yu, Jinxiu Qian, Xiaoyu Li, Meng Tian, Aiping Lyu*, Cheng Lu*, Yuanyan Liu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Currently, cancer is still a leading cause of human death globally. Tumor deterioration comprises multiple events including metastasis, therapeutic resistance and immune evasion, all of which are tightly related to the phenotypic plasticity especially epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). Tumor cells with EMP are manifest in three states as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), partial EMT, and mesenchymal–epithelial transition, which orchestrate the phenotypic switch and heterogeneity of tumor cells via transcriptional regulation and a series of signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch. However, due to the complicated nature of EMP, the diverse process of EMP is still not fully understood. In this review, we systematically conclude the biological background, regulating mechanisms of EMP as well as the role of EMP in therapy response. We also summarize a range of small molecule inhibitors, immune-related therapeutic approaches, and combination therapies that have been developed to target EMP for the outstanding role of EMP-driven tumor deterioration. Additionally, we explore the potential technique for EMP-based tumor mechanistic investigation and therapeutic research, which may burst vigorous prospects. Overall, we elucidate the multifaceted aspects of EMP in tumor progression and suggest a promising direction of cancer treatment based on targeting EMP.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere659
Number of pages28
JournalMedComm
Volume5
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Drug Discovery
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Biochemistry, medical
  • Cell Biology

User-Defined Keywords

  • cancer
  • cell plasticity
  • deterioration
  • EMT
  • signaling pathway

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