The role of the transcriptional regulator snail in cell detachment, reattachment and migration

Abstract

In order to metastasize, cancer cells must first detach from the primary tumor, migrate, invade through tissues and attach to a second site. The transcription factor snail is an important mediator of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and is involved in tumor progression. Recent data have provided evidence for a requirement for snail expression in metastatic dissemination. Although very little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing metastatic dissemination, we review the possible roles of snail expression in this process. We also review the regulation of snail expression. ©2009 Landes Bioscience.