The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for cancer to metastasize by promoting invasiveness and dissemination of cancer cells in the body. Understanding and tracking EMT could improve cancer therapy by intervening in metastasis. Current approaches for investigating and detecting the EMT process often utilize traditional molecular biology techniques like immunohistochemistry, mass spectrometry and sequencing. These approaches have provided valuable insights into understanding signaling pathways and identifying biomarkers. Liquid biopsy analysis using advanced nanotechnologies allows the longitudinal tracking of EMT in patients to become feasible. This review article offers a molecular overview of EMT, summarizes current EMT models used in cancer research, and reviews both traditional techniques and emerging nanotechnologies employed in recent EMT studies. Additionally, we discuss the limitations and prospects of applying nanotechnologies in EMT research. By evaluating this rapidly emerging field, we propose strategies to facilitate the clinical translation of nanotechnologies for early detection and monitoring of EMT.
上皮-间质转化（EMT）是癌症转移的关键过程，通过增强癌细胞的侵袭性和扩散能力使其在体内播散。理解并追踪EMT可通过干预转移过程改善癌症治疗。目前研究和检测EMT过程的方法通常采用传统分子生物学技术，如免疫组织化学、质谱分析和测序。这些方法为理解信号通路和识别生物标志物提供了重要见解。基于先进纳米技术的液体活检分析使得对患者EMT过程的纵向追踪成为可能。本文综述从分子层面概述EMT，总结当前癌症研究中使用的EMT模型，并评述近期EMT研究中采用的传统技术与新兴纳米技术。此外，我们探讨了纳米技术在EMT研究中的应用局限与前景。通过评估这一快速发展的领域，我们提出了促进纳米技术临床转化的策略，以实现EMT的早期检测与监测。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家