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- Title
The transcription factor snail controls epithelial-mesenchymal transitions by repressing E-cadherin expression.
- Authors
Cano, A; Pérez-Moreno, M A; Rodrigo, I; Locascio, A; Blanco, M J; del Barrio, M G; Portillo, F; Nieto, M A
- Abstract
The Snail family of transcription factors has previously been implicated in the differentiation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells (epithelial-mesenchymal transitions) during embryonic development. Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions are also determinants of the progression of carcinomas, occurring concomitantly with the cellular acquisition of migratory properties following downregulation of expression of the adhesion protein E-cadherin. Here we show that mouse Snail is a strong repressor of transcription of the E-cadherin gene. Epithelial cells that ectopically express Snail adopt a fibroblastoid phenotype and acquire tumorigenic and invasive properties. Endogenous Snail protein is present in invasive mouse and human carcinoma cell lines and tumours in which E-cadherin expression has been lost. Therefore, the same molecules are used to trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transitions during embryonic development and in tumour progression. Snail may thus be considered as a marker for malignancy, opening up new avenues for the design of specific anti-invasive drugs.
- Publication
Nature cell biology, 2000, Vol 2, Issue 2, p76
- ISSN
1465-7392
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/35000025