Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer

During the progression of breast cancer, cells spread or metastasize from the breast to secondary sites around the body. These events are facilitated by changes in the behaviour of cells, enabling them to become less adhesive and more motile. Such changes are termed "epithelial to mesenchymal transition". Cultured cell lines provide important models for identifying mechanisms that underlie the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and therefore contribute to breast cancer progression.

We are utilising a human breast  line, PMC42-LA, to study the cellular events which lead to the development of the cancer cell phenotype. Growth factors as well as the microenvironment play a key role in directing cell behaviour.

Our studies are enabling us to gain understanding of the mechamisms of cancer progression. This will contribute to the development treatments for cancer.