Topic Highlight
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2014; 20(18): 5403-5410
Published online May 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5403
Role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer initiation and progression
Zhao Peng, Chen-Xiao Wang, Er-Hu Fang, Guo-Bin Wang, Qiang Tong
Zhao Peng, Chen-Xiao Wang, Er-Hu Fang, Guo-Bin Wang, Qiang Tong, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: Peng Z and Wang CX contributed equally to this paper; all the authors participated in writing, editing and reviewing of this manuscript.
Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81172186
Correspondence to: Qiang Tong, Professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China. qiangtong@hust.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-27-85351620 Fax: +86-27-85726301
Received: October 29, 2013
Revised: January 9, 2014
Accepted: January 19, 2014
Published online: May 14, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Gastric cancer is responsible for numerous deaths worldwide; therefore, investigations into its initiation and development are of great importance. Recent evidence has shown that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. In this review, we investigate the role of EMT in gastric cancer. We discuss the role of EMT in both carcinogenesis and progression. We also summarize the regulators and signal pathways involved in EMT. A systemic understanding of the role of EMT could be helpful for the early detection and effective treatment of gastric cancer.