The amoeboid state as part of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition programme
Cell migration is essential for many biological processes, while abnormal cell migration is characteristic of cancer cells. Epithelial cells become motile by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal cells increase migration speed by adopting amoeboid features. In this talk, I will highlight how amoeboid behaviour is not merely a migration mode but rather a cellular state - within the EMT spectra - by which cancer cells survive, invade and colonise challenging microenvironments. Molecular biomarkers and physicochemical triggers associated with amoeboid behaviour will be discussed, including an amoeboid associated tumour microenvironment. I will reflect on how amoeboid characteristics support metastasis and how their liabilities could turn into therapeutic opportunities.