Metastasis is the transfer of malignant tumors from one organ to a distant organ. It is the most common cause of death in cancer patients. Different molecular mechanisms enable tumor cells to infiltrate the surrounding tissue, invade blood vessels and leave the blood stream at a different site. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for appropriate embryonic development, and this process is re-engaged in adults during wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis, and cancer progression. EMT is the first step in tumor invasion and metastasis. A detailed knowledge of the molecular requirements for EMT in human cancer will help us to better understand tumor progression and to delineate more effective strategies for future therapeutic intervention.%恶性肿瘤的转移是指肿瘤从原发部位转移到远隔器官,是恶性肿瘤患者致死的常见原因.肿瘤细胞侵润周围组织,侵润血管,在转移部位侵出血管并形成新的转移灶,这一过程需要很多的分子机制参与.上皮细胞间质化在胚胎发育以及成人的损伤修复、组织再生、器官纤维化以及肿瘤进展等方面发挥重要作用.上皮细胞间质化是恶性肿瘤侵润转移的首要步骤随着我们对于上皮细胞间质化分子机制了解的深入,使得我们更好地知晓肿瘤及其进展的过程,并为恶性肿瘤的治疗干预提供有效的方法.
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