Abstract
The conversion of cells with an epithelial phenotype into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype, referred to as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is a critical process for embryonic development that also occurs in adult life, particularly during tumour progression. Tumour cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition acquire the capacity to disarm the body's antitumour defences, resist apoptosis and anticancer drugs, disseminate throughout the organism, and act as a reservoir that replenishes and expands the tumour cell population. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is therefore becoming a target of prime interest for anticancer therapy. Here, we discuss the screening and classification of compounds that affect epithelial-mesenchymal transition, highlight some compounds of particular interest, and address issues related to their clinical application.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 311-325 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Nature Reviews Drug Discovery |
Volume | 15 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- Adult
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Drug Discovery
- Drug Discovery3003 Pharmaceutical Science
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Humans
- Neoplasms
- Pharmacology