Context-dependent EMT programs in cancer metastasis. Author Nicole Aiello, Yibin Kang Publication Year 2019 Type Journal Article Abstract Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process whereby stationary, adherent cells acquire the ability to migrate. EMT is critical for dramatic cellular movements during embryogenesis; however, tumor cells can reactivate EMT programs, which increases their aggressiveness. In addition to motility, EMT is associated with enhanced stem cell properties and drug resistance; thus it can drive metastasis, tumor recurrence, and therapy resistance in the context of cancer. However, the precise requirements for EMT in metastasis have not been fully delineated, with different tumor types relying on discrete EMT effectors. Most tumor cells do not undergo a full EMT, but rather adopt some qualities of mesenchymal cells and maintain some epithelial characteristics. Emerging evidence suggests that partial EMT can drive distinct migratory properties and enhance the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells as well as cell fate plasticity. This review discusses the diverse regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences of EMT, with an emphasis on the importance of partial EMT. Keywords Animals, Mice, Humans, Biomarkers, Tumor, Cell Movement, Epithelial Cells, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Neoplasms, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Neoplasm Metastasis, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity Journal J Exp Med Volume 216 Issue 5 Pages 1016-1026 Date Published 2019 May 06 ISSN Number 1540-9538 DOI 10.1084/jem.20181827 Alternate Journal J Exp Med PMCID PMC6504222 PMID 30975895 PubMedPubMed CentralGoogle ScholarBibTeXEndNote X3 XML