Intersection between calcium signalling and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in the context of cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a form of cellular phenotypic plasticity and is considered a crucial step in the progression of many cancers. The calcium ion (Ca2+) acts as a ubiquitous second messenger and is implicated in many cellular processes, including cell death, migration, invasion and more recently EMT. Throughout this review, the complex interplay between Ca2+ signalling and EMT will be explored. An overview of the Ca2+ pathways that are remodelled as a consequence of EMT is provided and the role of Ca2+ signalling in regulating EMT and its significance is considered. Ca2+ signalling pathways may represent a therapeutic op-portunity to regulate EMT. However, as will be described in this review, the complexity of these signalling pathways represents significant challenges that must be considered if Ca2+ signalling is to be manipulated with the aim of therapeutic intervention in cancer.

Automated summary

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step in cancer progression and is associated with the remodeling of calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways. This review explores the complex interplay between Ca2+ signaling and EMT, highlighting the potential therapeutic opportunities in regulating EMT through Ca2+ signaling. However, the complexity of these pathways presents challenges in manipulating Ca2+ signaling for therapeutic intervention in cancer.