Epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Abstract

The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs in both physiological and pathological states, and there are increasing links between EMT and tumor progression. During this process, dynamic changes in cell organization and function occur that promote migration and invasion. A better understanding of the mechanism of plastic EMT may help develop novel targeted therapies that can help treat cancers of varying degrees of malignancy. Our review helps to systematize knowledge of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the EMT process in both tumor and physiological backgrounds.