Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer

Abstract

Fundamental biological processes of cell identity and cell fate determination are controlled by complex regulatory networks. These processes require molecular mechanisms that confer cellular phenotypic memory and state persistence. In this minireview, we will summarize mechanisms of cell memory based on regulatory hysteretic feedback loops and explore epigenetic mechanisms widely represented in nature, with special focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity. We will also discuss the functional consequences of cell memory and epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity dynamics during development and cancer metastasis.

Keywords: Cell plasticity; Cell state; Cellular memory; Dynamics; EMT; Feedback loops; Hysteresis; Multistability.