1378-Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal: Engine of Tumor Plasticity

Paper Talk · Aug 3, 2026 · 26m

This article explores epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a fundamental mechanism of cellular plasticity that enables cancer cells to adapt, survive, and spread. Rather than a simple on-off switch, EMT is described as a multidimensional continuum of reversible states that facilitate metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance. The authors highlight how different EMT trajectories—ranging from embryonic-like invasive programs to adult-like inflammatory responses—create significant diversity within a single tumor. Beyond understanding disease progression, the text identifies…