scholarly journals Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Endometriosis—When Does It Happen?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutz Konrad ◽  
Raimund Dietze ◽  
Muhammad A. Riaz ◽  
Georgios Scheiner-Bobis ◽  
Judith Behnke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis ◽  
Intermediate Cell ◽  
Eutopic Endometrium ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Gradual Loss ◽  
Cell Remodeling ◽  
Epithelial Phenotype

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process of cell remodeling characterized by the gradual loss of the epithelial phenotype and progressive gain of a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is not an all-or-nothing process, but instead a transition of epithelial to mesenchymal cells with intermediate cell states. Recently, EMT was described in endometriosis, and many EMT-specific pathways like Twist, Snail, Slug, Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1/2 (ZEB1/2), E/N-cadherin, keratins, and claudins are involved. However, as pointed out in this review, a comparison of the eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis yielded only subtle changes of these EMT markers. Furthermore, only very few alterations in cell–cell contacts could be found but without changes in the epithelial phenotype. This suggests only a partial EMT which is not a prerequisite for the detachment of endometrial cells and, thus, not critical for the first step(s) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In contrast, the majority of changes in the EMT-related marker expression were found in the ectopic endometrium, especially in the three endometriotic entities, ovarian, peritoneal, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), compared with the eutopic endometrium. In this review, we examine the most important EMT pathways described in endometriosis and propose that partial EMT might result from the interaction of endometrial implants with their surrounding microenvironment.

scholarly journals The Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition at the Crossroads between Metabolism and Tumor Progression

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 800
Author(s):  
Monica Fedele ◽  
Riccardo Sgarra ◽  
Sabrina Battista ◽  
Laura Cerchia ◽  
Guidalberto Manfioletti
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Epithelial Phenotype ◽  
Plastic Process ◽  
Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition

The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression. In this review, we describe the complex interaction between EMT and metabolism during tumor progression. First, we outline the main connections between the two processes, with particular emphasis on the role of cancer stem cells and LncRNAs. Then, we focus on some specific cancers, such as breast, lung, and thyroid cancer.

scholarly journals SYNCRIP Modulates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocytes and HCC Cells

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 913
Author(s):  
Veronica Riccioni ◽  
Flavia Trionfetti ◽  
Claudia Montaldo ◽  
Sabrina Garbo ◽  
Francesco Marocco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Epithelial Phenotype ◽  
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins ◽  
Fine Regulation ◽  
Multiple Levels

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) control gene expression by acting at multiple levels and are often deregulated in epithelial tumors; however, their roles in the fine regulation of cellular reprogramming, specifically in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), remain largely unknown. Here, we focused on the hnRNP-Q (also known as SYNCRIP), showing by molecular analysis that in hepatocytes it acts as a “mesenchymal” gene, being induced by TGFβ and modulating the EMT. SYNCRIP silencing limits the induction of the mesenchymal program and maintains the epithelial phenotype. Notably, in HCC invasive cells, SYNCRIP knockdown induces a mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), negatively regulating their mesenchymal phenotype and significantly impairing their migratory capacity. In exploring possible molecular mechanisms underlying these observations, we identified a set of miRNAs (i.e., miR-181-a1-3p, miR-181-b1-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-200a-5p, and miR-let7g-5p), previously shown to exert pro- or anti-EMT activities, significantly impacted by SYNCRIP interference during EMT/MET dynamics and gathered insights, suggesting the possible involvement of this RNA binding protein in their transcriptional regulation.

scholarly journals Different macrophages equally induce EMT in endometria of adenomyosis and normal

Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min An ◽  
Dong Li ◽  
Ming Yuan ◽  
Qiuju Li ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Secretory Phase ◽  
Normal Endometrium ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Endometrial Cells

Endometrial cells and microenvironment are two important factors in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Our previous study demonstrated that macrophages can induce eutopic epithelial cells of adenomyosis to suffer from epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study is to detect whether macrophages interacting with epithelial cells equally induce the EMT process in normal and eutopic endometria of healthy and adenomyotic patients; and whether macrophages parallelly polarize to M2. We investigated the expression levels of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), neural cadherin (N-cadherin), cytokeratin7 (CK7), vimentin, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1), SMAD3 and pSMAD3 using immunohistochemistry and western blot, and then estimated the genetic levels of CD163, IL10 and MMP12 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in macrophages. Eutopic and normal endometrial tissues were obtained from 20 patients with adenomyosis and 11 control patients without adenomyosis, respectively. The immunohistochemical analysis shows distinct EMT in eutopic endometria in secretory phase; the expression levels of TGFB1, SMAD3 and pSMAD3 that indicate signal pathway of EMT were also higher in secretory phase. Macrophages can induce EMT process in primary endometrial epithelial cells derived from normal and eutopic endometria. After co-culturing, THP-1-derived macrophages polarized to M2. Compared with the eutopic endometrium group, further polarization to M2 was observed in the normal endometrium group. These results indicate that adenomyosis may be promoted by the pathologic EMT of epithelial cells, which is induced by macrophages that incapably polarize to M2.

scholarly journals Lipocalin 2 induces the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in stressed endometrial epithelial cells: possible correlation with endometriosis development in a mouse model

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Jr Liao ◽  
Pei-Tzu Li ◽  
Ying-Chu Lee ◽  
Sheng-Hsiang Li ◽  
Sin Tak Chu
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Lipocalin 2 ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Cellular Microenvironments ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is an induced stressor that promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). We previously demonstrated that the development of endometriosis in mice correlates with the secretion of LCN2 in the uterus. Here, we sought to clarify the relationship between LCN2 and EMT in endometrial epithelial cells and to determine whether LCN2 plays a role in endometriosis. Antibodies that functionally inhibit LCN2 slowed the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue in a mouse model of endometriosis, suggesting that LCN2 promotes the formation of endometriotic lesions. Using nutrient deprivation as a stressor, LCN2 expression was induced in cultured primary endometrial epithelial cells. As LCN2 levels increased, the cells transitioned from a round to a spindle-like morphology and dispersed. Immunochemical analyses revealed decreased levels of cytokeratin and increased levels of fibronectin in these endometrial cells, adhesive changes that correlate with induction of cell migration and invasion.Lcn2knockdown also indicated that LCN2 promotes EMT and migration of endometrial epithelial cells. Our results suggest that stressful cellular microenvironments cause uterine tissues to secrete LCN2 and that this results in EMT of endometrial epithelial cells, which may correlate with the development of ectopic endometriosis. These findings shed light on the role of LCN2 in the pathology of endometrial disorders.

Impaired Localization of Claudin-11 in Endometriotic Epithelial Cells Compared to Endometrial Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1181-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Horné ◽  
Raimund Dietze ◽  
Eniko Berkes ◽  
Frank Oehmke ◽  
Hans-Rudolf Tinneberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Tight Junctions ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis ◽  
Endometrial Cell ◽  
Ovarian Endometriosis ◽  
Eutopic Endometrium ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Ectopic Endometrium

Claudins are the major components of tight junctions and are often deregulated in human cancer, permitting escape of cancer cells along with the acquisition of invasive properties. Similarly, endometrial cells also show invasive capabilities; however, the role of tight junctions in endometriosis has only rarely been examined. In this study, we analyzed the protein expression and localization of claudin-7 and claudin-11 in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium and endometrial cell lines. We identified claudin-7 primarily at the basolateral junctions of the glandular epithelial cells in eutopic endometrium as well as in the ectopic lesions in nearly all glands and cysts. Quantification of claudin-7 localization by HSCORE showed a slight increase in peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) compared to eutopic endometrium. In contrast, claudin-11 was localized mainly in the apicolateral junctions in nearly all glandular epithelial cells of the eutopic endometrium. Interestingly, we observed a deregulation of claudin-11 localization to a basal or basolateral localization in ovarian ( P < .001), peritoneal ( P < .01), and DIE ( P < .05) and a moderately decreased abundance in ovarian endometriosis. In endometrial cell lines, claudin-7 was only present in epithelial Ishikawa cells, and silencing by small-interfering RNA increased cell invasiveness. In contrast, claudin-11 could be demonstrated in Ishikawa and endometriotic 12Z and 49Z cells. Silencing of claudin-11 decreased invasiveness of 12Z slightly but significantly in 49Z. We suggest that although claudin-7 and claudin-11 can be found in nearly all eutopic and ectopic epithelial cells, the impaired localization of claudin-11 in ectopic endometrium might contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

scholarly journals Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Skin Cancers: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Hodorogea ◽  
Andreea Calinescu ◽  
Mihaela Antohe ◽  
Mihaela Balaban ◽  
Roxana Ioana Nedelcu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Epithelial Phenotype

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in physiologic processes such as embryogenesis and wound healing. A similar mechanism occurs in some tumors where cells leave the epithelial layer and gain mesenchymal particularities in order to easily migrate to other tissues. This process can explain the invasiveness and aggressiveness of these tumors which metastasize, by losing the epithelial phenotype (loss of E-cadherin, desmoplakin, and laminin-1) and acquiring mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin). Complex changes and interactions happen between the tumor cells and the microenvironment involving different pathways, transcription factors, altered expression of adhesion molecules, reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins, production of ECM-degrading enzymes, and changes in specific microRNAs. The purpose of this review is to determine particularities of the EMT process in the most common malignant cutaneous tumors (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma) which still have an increasingly high incidence. More studies are required on this topic in order to establish clear correlations. High costs related to skin cancer therapies in general as well as high impact on patients’ quality of life demand finding new, reliable prognostic and therapeutic markers with significant public health impact.

scholarly journals The Pathogenesis of Adenomyosis vis-à-vis Endometriosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Salient Feature ◽  
Deep Endometriosis ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Iatrogenic Trauma ◽  
Injury And Repair ◽  
New Hypothesis ◽  
Existing Data

Adenomyosis is used to be called endometriosis interna, and deep endometriosis is now called adenomyosis externa. Thus, there is a question as to whether adenomyosis is simply endometriosis of the uterus, either from the perspective of pathogenesis or pathophysiology. In this manuscript, a comprehensive review was performed with a literature search using PubMed for all publications in English, related to adenomyosis and endometriosis, from inception to June 20, 2019. In addition, two prevailing theories, i.e., invagination—based on tissue injury and repair (TIAR) hypothesis—and metaplasia, on adenomyosis pathogenesis, are briefly overviewed and then critically scrutinized. Both theories have apparent limitations, i.e., difficulty in falsification, explaining existing data, and making useful predictions. Based on the current understanding of wound healing, a new hypothesis, called endometrial-myometrial interface disruption (EMID), is proposed to account for adenomyosis resulting from iatrogenic trauma to EMI. The EMID hypothesis not only highlights the more salient feature, i.e., hypoxia, at the wounding site, but also incorporates epithelial mesenchymal transition, recruitment of bone-marrow-derived stem cells, and enhanced survival and dissemination of endometrial cells dispersed and displaced due to iatrogenic procedures. More importantly, the EMID hypothesis predicts that the risk of adenomyosis can be reduced if certain perioperative interventions are performed. Consequently, from a pathogenic standpoint, adenomyosis is not simply endometriosis of the uterus, and, as such, may call for interventional procedures that are somewhat different from those for endometriosis to achieve the best results.

High-Expression of Neuropilin 1 Correlates to Estrogen-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Endometrial Cells in Adenomyosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Hu ◽  
Guo-Qing Peng ◽  
De-Ying Ban ◽  
Chun Zhang ◽  
Xiao-Qiong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
High Expression ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Neuropilin 1

scholarly journals NRF2-dependent epigenetic regulation can promote the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Jia ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly ◽  
Herbert Levine
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hybrid State ◽  
Regulation Model

AbstractThe epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process critical for wound healing, cancer metastasis and embryonic development. Recent efforts have identified the role of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states, having both epithelial and mesehncymal traits, in enabling cancer metastasis and resistance to various therapies. Also, previous work has suggested that NRF2 can act as phenotypic stability factor to help stablize such hybrid states. Here, we incorporate a phenomenological epigenetic feedback effect into our previous computational model for EMT signaling. We show that this type of feedback can stabilize the hybrid state as compared to the fully mesenchymal phenotype if NRF2 can influence SNAIL at an epigenetic level, as this link makes transitions out of hybrid state more difficult. However, epigenetic regulation on other NRF2-related links do not significantly change the EMT dynamics. Finally, we considered possible cell division effects in our epigenetic regulation model, and our results indicate that the degree of epigenetic inheritance does not appear to be a critical factor for the hybrid E/M state stabilizing behavior of NRF2.

scholarly journals Immunosuppressive traits of the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarthak Sahoo ◽  
Sonali Priyadarshini Nayak ◽  
Kishore Hari ◽  
Susmita Mandal ◽  
Akash Kishore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
M Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Secondary Tumour

Cancer metastasis remains a primary cause of cancer related mortality. Recent in vitro and in vivo data has indicated the high metastatic fitness of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states, i.e. their enhanced abilities to initiate tumours at secondary tumour site. Mechanistic details about how such hybrid E/M cells survive the metastatic cascade remain unclear. Here, we investigate immune-evasive strategies of hybrid E/M states, an issue that to date has been largely unexplored. We construct a minimalistic regulatory network that captures known associations between regulators of EMT (the epithelial mesenchymal transition) and levels of PD-L1, an established suppressor of immune response, and simulated the network's emergent dynamics. Our model recapitulates observations that cells undergoing EMT have increased PD-L1 levels, while reverting EMT can decrease these levels, indicative of a causal link between EMT drivers and PD-L1. Further, we show that hybrid E/M cells can have high levels of PD-L1, similar to those seen in cells with a full EMT phenotype, thus obviating the need for cancer cells to undergo a full EMT to evade the immune system. Finally, we identify various signalling pathways and cellular processes that can independently or in concert affect PD-L1 levels and EMT status. For instance, hybrid E/M cells can gain both immune-evasion and stemness through largely independent paths. Our results underscore another underlying reason for the high metastatic ability of hybrid E/M cells.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document