The role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors in anti-cancer drug resistance.

Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. sycho@cau.ac.kr.

Archives of pharmacal research. 2021;(3):281-292

Abstract

The complex orchestration of gene expression that mediates the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells is implicated in cancer development and metastasis. As the primary regulator of the process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) play key roles in metastasis. They are also highlighted in recent preclinical studies on resistance to cancer therapy. This review describes the role of three main EMT-TFs, including Snail, Twist1, and zinc-finger E homeobox-binding 1 (ZEB1), relating to drug resistance and current possible approaches for future challenges targeting EMT-TFs.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Review

Metadata