Mechanotransduction pathways in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2023 Dec:85:102245. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102245. Epub 2023 Oct 5.

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support for cells and mediates cell-stromal communications. In addition to ECM proteins, mechanical force exerted from the ECM serves as a critical regulator of many biological processes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process by which epithelial cells loosen their cellular junctions and migrate and invade in a more mesenchymal fashion. Recent studies show that increasing ECM stiffness can impinge on cellular signaling pathways through mechanotransduction to promote carcinoma cells to undergo EMT, suggesting that mechanical force exerted by the ECM plays a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we highlight recent work utilizing innovative approaches to study mechanotransduction and summarize newly discovered mechanisms by which mechanosensors and responders regulate EMT during tumor progression and metastasis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular*
  • Neoplasms* / pathology