Homeostatic Signaling by Cell–Cell Junctions and Its Dysregulation during Cancer Progression

• Main Authors: Yang Yu, Randolph C. Elble
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-02-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: E-cadherin; EMT; dissemination; breast cancer; human mammary epithelial cells; adherens junctions; tight junctions; claudins; PLEKHA7; miR30b; cancer stem cells
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/5/2/26

The transition of sessile epithelial cells to a migratory, mesenchymal phenotype is essential for metazoan development and tissue repair, but this program is exploited by tumor cells in order to escape the confines of the primary organ site, evade immunosurveillance, and resist chemo-radiation. In addition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers stem-like properties that increase efficiency of colonization of distant organs. This review evaluates the role of cell–cell junctions in suppressing EMT and maintaining a quiescent epithelium. We discuss the conflicting data on junctional signaling in cancer and recent developments that resolve some of these conflicts. We focus on evidence from breast cancer, but include other organ sites where appropriate. Current and potential strategies for inhibition of EMT are discussed.