• Annina Nickel and Sonja C Stadler.
• Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
• Transl Res. 2015 Jan 1; 165 (1): 126-42.

AbstractThe epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process during normal development that allows dynamic and reversible shifts between epithelial and mesenchymal cell states. Cancer cells take advantage of the complex, interrelated cellular networks that regulate EMT to promote their migratory and invasive capabilities. During the past few years, evidence has accumulated that indicates that genetic mutations and changes to epigenetic mechanisms are key drivers of EMT in cancer cells. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the epigenetic reprogramming in cancer cells that enables them to switch from a noninvasive form to an invasive, metastatic form. The authors review the current knowledge of alterations of epigenetic machinery, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome remodeling and expression of microRNAs, associated with EMT and tumor progression of breast cancer cells. Last, existing and upcoming drug therapies targeting epigenetic regulators and their potential benefit for developing novel treatment strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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