Transcription factor SPZ1 may promote TWIST-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in thoracic malignancies

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by decreased epithelial properties and increased mesenchymal attributes, and is believed to play an important role in cancer metastasis (1). EMT contributes to the circulating tumor cell load in epithelial cancers because it increases tumor cell invasiveness, promotes tumor cell intravasation and promotes tumor cell survival in the peripheral system.