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Epithelial Plasticity Regulation by MicroRNAs

Authors :
Antonio Díaz-López
Amparo Cano
Source :
Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 12 ISBN: 9789401780315
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Springer Netherlands, 2013.

Abstract

Embryonic development requires the acquisition of a mesenchymal migratory phenotype by some epithelial cells in strictly spatio-temporal regulated fashion during organ formation. Interestingly, this epithelial-to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is aberrantly activated during tumor progression. The reverse mesenchymal-to epithelial transition (MET) process is, nevertheless, required for development of metastatic foci, implying a highly dynamic regulation of epithelial plasticity. The expression of different transcription factors (called EMT-TFs) activates this reversible complex program although its regulation remains partially elusive. Recently, non-coding microRNAs have emerged as novel regulators of cell differentiation by targeting EMT-TFs and other molecules involved in tumor progression. In this chapter, we will discuss the different mechanisms used by these microRNAs to regulate epithelial plasticity of tumor cells during tumor progression and metastasis. We will pay particular attention to two negative feedback pathways involving miR-200/ZEB1 and p53/miR-34/SNAIL1 that clearly shows the plasticity and interconnectivity of the EMT and MET programs. Remarkably, recent studies showed that certain microRNAs might be used in the diagnostic and treatment of cancer providing new therapeutic opportunities to combat tumor progression and increase patient survival.

Details

ISBN :
978-94-017-8031-5
ISBNs :
9789401780315
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 12 ISBN: 9789401780315
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........48429f36125d59bfcd268c73cbabaa53
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8032-2_17