MicroRNAs and signaling networks involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a phenomenon in which epithelial cells lose their cell‐to‐cell connection and are detached from the base membrane. EMT is fundamental for many biological processes such as embryonic development and neurogenesis. It also plays a significant role in cancer progression and metastasis. EMT regulation occurs through a sophisticated network of transcription regulations that include many signaling pathways. The exact mechanism of cancer gene regulation has not been understood yet. However, it is interesting to study the role of microRNAs and epigenetics mechanism in the cancer development. In this review, the transcription regulation of EMT and the analysis of possible overlap between microRNAs and their targets which are involved in the cancer development are scrutinized. In nature, MT participates in many physiological and pathological processes including embryonic development, organogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Many aspects regulate EMT including: transcription factors, gene expression patterns, and signaling pathway crosstalk. MicroRNAs as noncoding genes play a distinct role in the progression or suppression of EMT.