EMT process in bone metastasis

Metastasis is responsible for more than 90% of cancer related deaths. Bone is one of the most frequent sites of metastasis from various primary carcinomas, especially breast and prostate. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying bone metastasis is a major focus of research. The polarized epithelial tumor cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to acquire invasive mesenchymal phenotypes. The EMT-related stemness and chemo-resistance phenotypes are frequently observed in osteotrophic tumors. In this chapter, we will focus on the engagement of the EMT signaling pathway in bone specific homing, quiescence and dormancy phenotypes of the disseminated tumor cells, and the influence of the bone marrow microenvironment in supporting the outgrowth of bone metastatic lesions. We will also discuss the possibility that available therapeutics targeting bone metastasis affect the EMT status of tumor cells.