ADMET and DMPK, Vol. 13 No. 5, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.5599/admet.2836
Epithelial-mesenchymal dynamics in cancer: Role of signalling pathways, stromal interactions and natural therapies
Iram Khan
; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Anindita Behera
; Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity Universtiy, Kolkata, India.
Kamesh R. Babu
orcid.org/0000-0003-1311-1562
; Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Faisal Rehman
; University College Cork, Dublin, Ireland
Farah Rehan
; Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan.
Shraddha Manish Gupta
orcid.org/0000-0002-8931-4713
; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Siddharth Singh
; School ofPharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics,DIT University,Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background and purpose: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), play crucial roles in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression. Dysregulation of EMT/MET pathways in cancer contributes to metastasis and drug resistance. Approach: This review discusses the signalling pathways that are correlated with EMT in cancer and investigates the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring compounds in modulating these processes. The intricate relationship between stromal cells, drug resistance, and EMT is discussed, highlighting the emerging role of MET in stabilizing distant metastasis. Additionally, the impact of p53 on EMT and its implications in cancer metastasis are discussed. The review also provides an overview of therapeutic molecules, both plant- and animal-derived, that regulate EMT, highlighting their potential in cancer treatment. Specifically, plant-based compounds from Atractylodes lancea, Dendrobium officinale, Panax ginseng and Platycodon grandiflorus, as well as animal-derived substances like bee venom and snake venom, are highlighted. Furthermore, marine-based compounds, including caprolactin C, laminaran sulfate, BFP-3, bryostatin 1, sinulariolide, manzamines, halichondrin B, eribulin and biemamides, exhibit significant anti-metastatic effects by targeting EMT-associated pathways. Conclusion: The diverse range of therapeutic molecules discussed in this review provides promising therapeutic avenues for developing targeted strategies against EMT in cancer.
Keywords
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition; metastasis; drug resistance; therapeutic molecules; oncogenesis
Hrčak ID:
338692
URI
Publication date:
8.9.2025.
Visits: 371 *