All-trans-retinoic Acid Modulates the Plasticity and Inhibits the Motility of Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: All-trans-retinoic acid is a promising therapeutic agent in breast cancer. Results: All-trans-retinoic acid modulates mammary tumor cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition via the TGF β and NOTCH pathways. Conclusion: The present study unveils a new aspect of all-trans-retinoic acid activity (i.e. regulation of phenotypic cell plasticity). Significance: Our results indicate that all-trans-retinoic acid is endowed with anti-metastatic properties that could be exploited at the therapeutic level.