The Post-Translational Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Inducing Transcription Factors in Cancer Metastasis

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 30;22(7):3591. doi: 10.3390/ijms22073591.

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is generally observed in normal embryogenesis and wound healing. However, this process can occur in cancer cells and lead to metastasis. The contribution of EMT in both development and pathology has been studied widely. This transition requires the up- and down-regulation of specific proteins, both of which are regulated by EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), mainly represented by the families of Snail, Twist, and ZEB proteins. This review highlights the roles of key EMT-TFs and their post-translational regulation in cancer metastasis.

Keywords: Snail; Twist; ZEB; epithelial–mesenchymal transition; metastasis; transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / pathology
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / genetics
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Twist Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 2 / metabolism
  • Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Snail Family Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • Twist Transcription Factors
  • Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 2
  • Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1