Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers
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Your guide to EMT markers in cancer.
To help you quickly select the right tools to study EMT, we've compiled the most common EMT markers and recommended reliable antibodies for these markers.
Jump to: E-cadherin |N-cadherin |Vimentin |SNAIL
What is epithelial-mesenchymal transition?
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in cancer cell metastasis, during which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, including enhanced cell motility and migration. EMT is characterized by a loss of epithelial cell markers, such as cytokeratins and E-cadherin, followed by an upregulation in the expression of mesenchymal cell markers, such as N-cadherin, vimentin, and fibronectin.
These changes in epithelial and mesenchymal cell marker expression lead to a reduction in adhesion between the transitioning cell and adjacent epithelial cells and an increase in the secretion of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix.1 Collectively, this results in epithelial cells losing apical-basal cell polarity, reorganizing their cytoskeleton, and reprogramming gene expression, which allows the development of an invasive phenotype in cancer metastasis.2
EMT markers
E-Cadherin
Decreased E-cadherin expression is a fundamental event in EMT and cancer metastasis and has emerged as a molecular hallmark of carcinoma EMT.3
We recommend Recombinant Anti-E Cadherin antibody [EP700Y] (ab40772)
Image (above): Immunohistochemistry (formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) of human breast carcinoma tissue stained using Recombinant Anti-E cadherin antibody [EP700Y] (ab40772) (green).
Browse all E-cadherin antibodies
N-cadherin
The loss of E-cadherin is typically associated with a gain of expression of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, in many cancer types. It is thought to be necessary for tumor cells to gain invasive properties.4
We recommend Anti-N Cadherin antibody (ab18203)
Image (above): Immunohistochemistry (formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) of human liver cancer tissue stained with Anti-N Cadherin antibody (ab18203).
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Vimentin
Overexpression of vimentin is correlated with increased invasiveness and metastasis of several cancers.5
We recommend Recombinant Anti-Vimentin antibody [EPR3776] (ab92547).
Image (above): Immunohistochemistry (formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) of human breast adenocarcinoma tissue stained using Recombinant Anti-Vimentin antibody [EPR3776] (ab92547).
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SNAIL
The change in the epithelial and mesenchymal gene expression that occurs during EMT is regulated by multiple transcription factor families, including SNAI1/Snail, ZEB1/ZEB2, and basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors (bHLH).2
We recommend Anti-SNAIL + SLUG antibody (ab180714).
Image (above): Immunohistochemistry (formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) of human colon carcinoma tissue stained with Anti-SNAIL + SLUG antibody (ab180714).
Browse all SNAIL and SLUG antibodies
Browse all ZEB1/AREB6 antibodies
Browse all ZEB2/SIP1 antibodies
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References
- Banyard, J. and Bielenberg, D. R. Connect Tissue Res. 2015; 56(5):403–413.
- Lamouille, S., Xu, J., & Derynck, R. Nature Rev: Mol Cell Biol. 2014; 15(3), 178–196.
- Wells, A. et al. Clin & Exper Metastasis. 2008; 25(6), 621–628.
- Jia, W. et al. Anticancer Res. 2015; 35 (5), 2635-2643.
- Vergara, D. et al. EuPA Open Proteomics. 2016; 10, 31-41.