The epithelial cell phenotype is defined by a cell organization that are structured in a single layer also called cell sheet. Typical epithelial cells have basal and apical polarity. On the other hand, the mesenchymal phenotype is associated with motility and invasiveness. In a physiological context, these phenotypes are intrinsic of these cell functions, for example the intestinal mucosa and his cell wall that mediates the entrance of nutrients in the bloodstream or the immune cells that migrate to the foci of infection. In pathological conditions like cancer, it is associated with solid tumor formation and metastasis. A phenomenon named Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been studied for decades and is defined by a gain of migratory and invasive properties of the epithelial cells to become multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. It is considered as a model to explain the passage from a solid tumor to a more aggressive and invasive cancer. (, )
E-cadherin, or epithelial cadherin is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cell-cell adhesion. Its downregulation has been associated with the transition to the mesenchymal phenotype. This situation is considered as one of the biomarkers of EMT. Targeting EMT to stop the metastatic process has been at the center of many recent therapeutic strategies. ()
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