Targeting of netrin-1 by monoclonal antibody NP137 inhibits the EMT in cancer

Abstract

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor initiation, invasion, and metastasis as well as chemotherapy failure. Recently, Lengrand and her colleagues reported that netrin-1 blockade by administration of NP137 decreased the proportion of EMT tumor cells in skin squamous cell carcinoma, decreased the number of metastases, and increased the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy. Meanwhile, in another study, Cassier et al also demonstrated that NP137 can inhibit tumor growth and EMT in mouse models and in a first-in-human trial of endometrial carcinomas. These results indicate the importance of anti-netrin-1 strategy for targeting EMT in cancer.