EMT Factors and Metabolic Pathways in Cancer

The document reviewed the role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer, emphasizing its dynamic nature and contribution to metastasis by enhancing cell migration and invasion. It highlighted the regulation of EMT by transcription factors like SNAIL, TWIST, and ZEB, and their involvement in metabolic reprogramming, particularly glycolysis. The review discussed the influence of non-canonical transcription factors, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs on EMT, and their potential as therapeutic targets. Metabolic enzymes such as Hexokinase 2 and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 were linked to EMT and chemoresistance. The role of amino acids like asparagine and cystine in EMT and metastasis was also explored. The study underscored the complexity of EMT and the potential of targeting EMT-related pathways for cancer therapy, while noting the importance of understanding cancer-specific metabolic features to avoid promoting metastasis.