CD146 mediates an E-cadherin-to-N-cadherin switch during TGF- β signaling-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Cadherin switch is an initiating factor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is intimately correlated with cancer metastatic potential; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using a transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β)-induced EMT model, we provide explicit evidence that CD146, with elevated expression and activity in a variety of cancers, is a key factor involved in the cadherin switch. We show that CD146 can be induced by TGF-β signaling. Moreover, CD146 expression is positively correlated with the activation levels of STAT3/Twist and ERK pathways.

Source: Cancer Letters - May 17, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Yanbin Ma, Haofeng Zhang, Chaoliang Xiong, Zheng Liu, Qingji Xu, Jing Feng, Jun Zhang, Zhaoqing Wang, Xiyun Yan Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research