Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process implemented in embryo development, organ fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. Several transcription factors and signaling pathways impinge on the transcriptional program of the cell, leading to the change of cell phenotype without alteration of genotype. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in inducing EMT and orchestrating the heredity and reversibility of EMT. In this review, we discuss how DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs (miRNAs) act in a concerted manner to regulate EMT. ‘Epigenetic therapies’—inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases as well as microRNAs are emerging as promising agents for cancer intervention.

Keywords: DNMT inhibitors, EMT, epigenetic regulation, epigenetic therapy, HDAC inhibitors, metastasis, miRNAs.