Epithelial-mesenchymal transition orchestrates tumor microenvironment: current perceptions and challenges

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in cancer progression, facilitating tumor cells to develop invasive traits and augmenting their migratory capabilities. EMT is primed by tumor microenvironment (TME)-derived signals, whereupon cancer cells undergoing EMT in turn remodel the TME, thereby modulating tumor progression and therapeutic response. This review discusses the mechanisms by which EMT coordinates TME dynamics, including secretion of soluble factors, direct cell contact, release of exosomes and enzymes, as well as metabolic reprogramming. Recent evidence also indicates that cells undergoing EMT may differentiate into cancer-associated fibroblasts, thereby establishing…

• SM
  Shanghai Municipal Health Commission

  Awards: 201940019, 20244Y0023
• BX
  Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation

  Awards: Y-HR2022MS-0251, Y-2022METAZQN-0003, Y-Gilead2024-PT-0002, Y-HR2022QN-0085
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82103409, 82473459, 82303443, 82103417, 82272929, 82273382
• SA
  Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality

  Award: 24SF1900300
• YP
  Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department

  Award: 202305AF150148
• SH
  Shanghai Health and Medical Development Foundation
• PO
  Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader

  Award: 23XD1400600