Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: Initiation by cues from chronic inflammatory tumor microenvironment and termination by anti-inflammatory compounds and specialized pro-resolving lipids

Abstract

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that plays a critical role in cancer progression. Blocking the process of EMT can be an essential strategy in the development of anticancer drugs. In this paper, we briefly introduce recent research trends and issues of EMT, focusing on the relationship of EMT with the entire cycle of inflammation (from initiation to resolution of inflammation). Recent findings on the relationship between EMT and immune evasion are discussed. We will also explore the importance of controlling inflammation by anti-inflammatory compounds and specialized pro-resolving lipids to inhibit EMT process in cancer.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory compounds; Epithelial mesenchymal transition; Immune evasion; Inflammation; Pro-resolving specialized lipids.