Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the stem-cell state
Our research addresses the mechanisms of malignant progression of carcinoma cells. These neoplastic cells are initially epithelial in nature, but as they pass through the program termed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, they acquire mesenchymal characteristics that are associated with aggressive, malignant behavior. Partial passage through this program enables these cells to enter into the cancer stem cell state, enabling them to found metastatic colonies at distant anatomical sites.
Keywords
Invasion / metastasis / stem cells / progression / malignancy