Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to increased motility and invasiveness, which are key factors in cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer metastasis. Various strategies have been developed to target EMP, including inhibition of key signaling pathways, such as TGF-beta, Wnt/beta-catenin, and Notch, that regulate EMP, as well as targeting specific transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist, that promote EMP. Additionally, targeting the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in promoting EMP, has also shown promise. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and improve their clinical efficacy. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP represents a promising approach for the development of novel cancer therapies that can effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related mortality.

Automated summary

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process where epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal cells, increasing their motility and invasiveness, which are critical for cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, involving inhibition of key signaling pathways and specific transcription factors that regulate EMP, as well as targeting the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis, but further research is needed to optimize these strategies for better clinical outcomes. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP offers a promising approach to develop novel cancer therapies that effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related deaths.