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Mechanisms of metastasis: Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and contribution of tumor microenvironment
Author(s) -
Tse Joyce C.,
Kalluri Raghu
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.21215
Subject(s) - epithelial–mesenchymal transition , metastasis , tumor microenvironment , cancer research , cancer , mesenchymal stem cell , cancer metastasis , biology , cancer cell , medicine , tumor cells , microbiology and biotechnology
Every year about 500,000 people in the United States die as a result of cancer. Among them, 90% exhibit systemic disease with metastasis. Considering this high rate of incidence and mortality, it is critical to understand the mechanisms behind metastasis and identify new targets for therapy. In recent years, two broad mechanisms for metastasis have received significant attention: epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor microenvironment interactions. EMT is believed to be a major mechanism by which cancer cells become migratory and invasive. Various cancer cells—both in vivo and in vitro—demonstrate features of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal‐like transition. In addition, many steps of metastasis are influenced by host contributions from the tumor microenvironment, which help determine the course and severity of metastasis. Here we evaluate the diverse mechanisms of EMT and tumor microenvironment interactions in the progression of cancer, and construct a rational argument for targeting these pathways to control metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 816–829, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.