Abstract
AbstractEpithelial cells can trans-differentiate into motile mesenchymal cells through a dynamic process known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is crucial in embryonic development and wound healing but also contributes to human diseases such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. Heavy metals are environmental pollutants that can affect human health in various ways, including causing cancers. The cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of heavy metals are complex, and studies have demonstrated that some of these metals can affect the progress of EMT. Here, we focus on reviewing the roles of six environmentally common toxic metals concerning EMT: arsenic (AS), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Noteworthily, the effects of these elements on EMT may vary according to the form, dose, and exposure time; the dual role of heavy metals (e.g., AS, Cd, and Cu) on EMT is also observed, in which, sometimes they can promote while sometimes inhibit the EMT process. Given the vast number of toxicologically relevant metals that exist in nature, we believe a comprehensive understanding of their effects on EMT is required to dictate in what circumstances these metals act more likely as demons or angels.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
“Thousand, Hundred, and Ten” Project of the Department of Education of Guangdong Province of China
Basic and Applied Research Major Projects of Guangdong Province of China
“Yang Fan” Project of Guangdong Province of China
Shantou Medical Health Science and Technology Plan
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Cancer Research,Genetics,Oncology