Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer

Berenguer De Felipe, Jordi; Celià-Terrassa, Toni

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2021.01.001

Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer

Citation

Berenguer J, Celià-Terrassa T. Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2021 Apr; 69: 103-10. DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.01.001

Abstract

Fundamental biological processes of cell identity and cell fate determination are controlled by complex regulatory networks. These processes require molecular mechanisms that confer cellular phenotypic memory and state persistence. In this minireview, we will summarize mechanisms of cell memory based on regulatory hysteretic feedback loops and explore epigenetic mechanisms widely represented in nature, with special focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity. We will also discuss the functional consequences of cell memory and epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity dynamics during development and cancer metastasis.