Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in cancer invasion and metastasis. Which transcription factor is a canonical inducer of EMT, causing downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin and N-cadherin?
- A p53
- B BRCA1
- C Snail (SNAI1) ✓
- D NF-κB (directly)
Explanation
Snail (SNAI1) and closely related Slug (SNAI2), Twist, and ZEB1/2 are canonical EMT transcription factors. Snail binds E-boxes in the CDH1 (E-cadherin) promoter and represses transcription, causing loss of E-cadherin-mediated epithelial cohesion. Simultaneously, Snail upregulates mesenchymal markers (vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin) and matrix metalloproteinases. This shift enables cells to detach from the primary tumor, invade the stroma, enter blood/lymph vessels, and colonize distant sites. NF-κB can indirectly activate Snail; p53 and BRCA1 are tumor suppressors not directly linked to EMT induction.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.