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EMT transcription factors: implication in osteosarcoma

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Abstract

The primary malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma, is a deadly disorder. Its etiology is complex, and treatment is mostly obscure. The transcription factors (TFs) involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) have significant role in osteosarcoma. A number of evidence suggests that overexpression of EMT-TFs, such as Twist, Snails and Zebs, is involved in complex pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. Recent research studies have showed some extent of promise in osteosarcoma treatment by targeting these EMT-TFs. However, success in research on osteosarcoma-EMT-TFs axis is just in primary stage, and a long way to go. Targeting Twist, Snail or Zeb by specific molecules or chemotherapeutic agents may provide a new dimension in osteosarcoma treatment by controlling metastasis.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the grants from the National 863 project of China (2011AA030101).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87-Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Guoqiong Yang, Jian Yuan & Kanghua Li

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  1. Guoqiong Yang
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  2. Jian Yuan
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  3. Kanghua Li
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Correspondence to Kanghua Li.

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Yang, G., Yuan, J. & Li, K. EMT transcription factors: implication in osteosarcoma. Med Oncol 30, 697 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-013-0697-2

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