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microRNAs and EMT in Mammary Cells and Breast Cancer

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Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

MicroRNAs are master regulators of gene expression in many biological and pathological processes, including mammary gland development and breast cancer. The differentiation program termed the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves changes in a number of microRNAs. Some of these microRNAs have been shown to control cellular plasticity through the suppression of EMT-inducers or to influence cellular phenotype through the suppression of genes involved in defining the epithelial and mesenchymal cell states. This has led to the suggestion that microRNAs maybe a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer. In this review, we will discuss microRNAs that are involved in EMT in mammary cells and breast cancer.

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Figure 1

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Abbreviations

miRNA:

microRNA

EMT:

epithelial to mesenchymal transition

MET:

mesenchymal to epithelial transition

TGF-β:

Transforming Growth Factor β

HMEC:

human mammary epithelial cell

bCSC:

breast cancer stem cell

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Wright, J.A., Richer, J.K. & Goodall, G.J. microRNAs and EMT in Mammary Cells and Breast Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 15, 213–223 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-010-9183-z

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