Role of the extracellular matrix in cancer‐associated epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon

Abstract

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is a crucial component in the processes of morphogenesis and embryonic development. The transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype is associated with numerous structural and functional changes, including loss of cell polarity and tight cell-cell junctions, the acquisition of invasive abilities, and the expression of mesenchymal proteins. The switch between the two phenotypes is involved in human pathology and is crucial for cancer progression. Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are multi-component networks that surround cells in tissues. These networks are obligatory for cell survival, growth, and differentiation as well as tissue organization. Indeed, the ECM suprastructure, in addition to its supportive role, can process and deliver a plethora of signals to cells, which ultimately regulate their behavior. Importantly, the ECM derived signals are critically involved in the process of EMT during tumorigenesis. This review discusses the multilayer interaction between the ECM and the EMT process, focusing on contributions of discrete mediators, a strategy that may identify novel potential target molecules. Developmental Dynamics 247:368-381, 2018. V C 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LDHA Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression Through Facilitating Glycolysis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

“…Moreover, lactate, the ultimate metabolite of aerobic glycolysis, led to an acidic tumor microenvironment that facilitated the degradation of ECM and the production of actin filaments (31). The degradation and remodeling of the ECM highly influences and controls both epithelial cell phenotype maintenance and EMT progression (32). Additionally, the mechanical properties and organization of the ECM are essential in regulating EMT (33).…”

A Rising Star in Pancreatic Diseases: Pancreatic Stellate Cells

“…Epithelial mesenchymal transformation is a biological phenomenon that epithelial cells lose epithelial properties to obtain stromal cell phenotypes. EMT is commonly found in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis and tumor formation ( Tzanakakis et al, 2017 ). In the process of EMT, the expression of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin and cytokeratins, were down-regulated; the expression of interstitial markers, such as vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin, were up-regulated.…”

MMP14 Regulates Cranial Neural Crest Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition and Migration

“…Most of our understanding regarding MMPs comes from work in the area of cancer biology. In cancer, various MMPs are responsible for the degradation of nearly all extracellular matrix and basement membrane components, allowing cells to delaminate from and invade into intact tissue (d’Ortho et al, 1997; Roy et al, 2009; Tzanakakis et al, 2018). They can also cleave cell adhesion molecules critical for EMT and cell migration (Covington et al, 2006; Symowicz et al, 2007; Takino et al, 2013; Porlan et al, 2014).…”