Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved process defined by the loss of epithelial characteristics, and acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype. In addition to its central role in development, EMT has been implicated as a cellular process during tumourigenesis which facilitates tumour cell invasion and metastasis. The EMT process has been largely defined by signal transduction networks and transcriptional factors that activate mesenchymal-associated gene expression. Knowledge of secretome components that influence EMT including secreted proteins/peptides and membrane-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) (i.e., exosomes) has emerged. Here we review EV cargo associated with inducing the hallmarks of EMT and cancer progression, modulators of cell transformation, invasion/migration, angiogenesis, and components involved in establishing the metastatic niche.
Funding
The authors are supported, in part, by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Programme grant 487922 (RJ.S.), project grant 1057741 (RJ.S), project 628727 (HJ.Z), Melbourne Research Grant Support Scheme (Melbourne University, HJ.Z) and Early Career CJ Martin Fellowship APP1037043 (R.A.M.). S.K.G. is supported by a La Trobe University Postgraduate Scholarship. L.L and J.S are receipts of Melbourne International Research Scholarship (Melbourne University).
History
Publication Date
2015-01-01
Journal
Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume
40
Pagination
12p. (p. 60-71)
Publisher
Elsevier
ISSN
1084-9521
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