Epigenetic Regulation of Hybrid Epithelial-mesenchymal Cell States in Cancer

Overview

Journal Oncogene

Specialties Molecular Biology
Oncology

Date 2023 Jun 21

PMID 37344626

Authors

Reilly A Sample

Marina F Nogueira

Robi D Mitra

Sidharth V Puram

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which cells lose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal phenotypes. In cancer, EMT is thought to drive tumor invasion and metastasis. Recent efforts to understand EMT biology have uncovered that cells undergoing EMT attain a spectrum of intermediate "hybrid E/M" states, which exist along an epithelial-mesenchymal continuum. Here, we summarize recent studies characterizing the epigenetic drivers of hybrid E/M states. We focus on the histone-modification writers, erasers, and readers that assist or oppose the canonical hybrid E/M transcription factors that modulate hybrid E/M state transitions. We also examine the role of chromatin remodelers and DNA methylation in hybrid E/M states. Finally, we highlight the challenges of targeting hybrid E/M pharmacologically, and we propose future directions that might reveal the specific and targetable mechanisms by which hybrid E/M drives metastasis in patients.

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