Anti-Cancer Potential of Phytochemicals: The Regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract

A biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows epithelial cells to change into mesenchymal cells and acquire some cancer stem cell properties. EMT contributes significantly to the metastasis, invasion, and development of treatment resistance in cancer cells. Current research has demonstrated that phytochemicals are emerging as a potential source of safe and efficient anti-cancer medications. Phytochemicals could disrupt signaling pathways related to malignant cell metastasis and drug resistance by suppressing or reversing the EMT process. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological properties and the molecular mechanisms of EMT in the progression of cancers, then summarize phytochemicals with diverse structures that could block the EMT process in different types of cancer. Hopefully, these will provide some guidance for future research on phytochemicals targeting EMT.

Pharmacological Analysis of Piper Longum for its Anti-cancer Potential Using Molecular Docking and In Silico Studies

“…These bioactive compounds generally work by regulating molecular pathways linked to the proliferation and metastasis of cancer. The key processes encompass enhancing antioxidant status, immune system control, carcinogen inactivation, inhibition of metastasis, stimulation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest [2]. These phytochemicals are known for targeting specific protein which inhibits or suppresses the protein.…”