Epigenetics is the study of heritable molecular determinants that are independent of phenotypic features. The epigenetic features include DNA methylation, histone modifications, non‑coding RNAs, and chromatin remodeling. In multicellular organisms, the epigenetic state of a cell is critical in determining its differentiation status and its ability to perform its proper function. These processes are now well recognized as being a substantial factor in tumor progression and metastasis. The process through which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features is known as epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is associated with tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in cancer. In the present review, we examine the recent studies that demonstrate the biological role of epigenetics, in particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, non‑coding RNAs, and chromatin remodeling in tumor progression and metastasis by regulating EMT status, and we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the epigenetics involvement in tumor progression and metastasis. Because epigenetic changes can be reversed, learning more about their biological roles in EMT will not only help us better understand how cancer progresses and spreads, but it will also help us identify new ways to diagnose and treat human malignancy, which is currently lacking in the clinical setting.
Keywords: EMT; acetylation; glycosylation; metastasis; methylation; non‑coding RNA.