Date
2024
Abstract
The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a pivotal frontier in oncology, playing a central role in the metastatic cascade of cancer—a leading global health challenge. This comprehensive review delves into the complexities of EMT, a process where cancer cells gain exceptional mobility, facilitating their invasion into distant organs and the establishment of secondary malignancies. We thoroughly examine the myriad of factors influencing EMT, encompassing transcription factors, signalling pathways, metabolic alterations, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, epigenetic changes, exosomal interactions and the intricate dynamics of the tumour microenvironment. Particularly, the review emphasises the advanced stages of EMT, crucial for the development of highly aggressive cancer phenotypes. During this phase, cancer cells penetrate the vascular barrier and exploit the bloodstream to propagate life-threatening metastases through the mesenchymal–epithelial transition. We also explore EM significant role in fostering tumour dormancy, senescence, the emergence of cancer stem cells and the formidable challenge of therapeutic resistance. Our review transcends a mere inventory of EMT-inducing elements; it critically assesses the current state of EMT-focused clinical trials, revealing both the hurdles and significant breakthroughs. Highlighting the potential of EMT research, we project its transformative impact on the future of cancer therapy. This exploration is aimed at paving the way towards an era of effectively managing this relentless disease, positioning EMT at the forefront of innovative cancer research strategies.
Supervisor
Description
Publisher
Wiley and Sons Ltd
Citation
Clinical and Translational Discovery, 2024, 4,e260
Collections
Physics
Bernal Institute
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Thorat_2024_Clinical.pdf
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Keywords
cancer, EMT, exosomes, metastasis, therapeutic, Health sciences
ULRR Identifiers
https://doi.org/10.34961/researchrepository-ul.25713702
 https://researchrepository.ul.ie/handle/10344/13633
Funding code
Funding Information
Sustainable Development Goals
(3) Good Health and Well-Being
External Link
Type
Article
Rights
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
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