During metastasis, cancer cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Which transcription factor is MOST associated with EMT and causes repression of E-cadherin?
- A p53
- B NF-kB
- C SNAIL (SNAI1) ✓
- D HIF-1alpha
Correct answer: C. SNAIL (SNAI1)
Explanation
SNAIL (SNAI1) and SLUG (SNAI2) are the principal transcription factors driving EMT by directly repressing E-cadherin transcription via binding E-box elements in the CDH1 promoter. Loss of E-cadherin dissolves cell-cell junctions, allowing epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal (migratory, invasive) properties. p53 is a tumor suppressor; NF-kB promotes survival signaling; HIF-1alpha drives hypoxic responses — all contribute to cancer but are not the direct E-cadherin repressors in EMT.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.