MDCK Gene Expression During EMT

Authors

Jason Burton, Brigham Young University
Marc Hansen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

MDCK, EMT, Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, gene expression

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is mostly due to a lack of understanding into the function of cancer and the different mechanisms it uses to spread. The process by which cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and spread to form metastases is known as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a process whereby specialized epithelial cells undergo a transformation back to primitive, mobile cells (see figure 1). These cells can travel through the basement membranes and enter the nervous and vascular systems and spread throughout the body. This process has been well documented in MDCK (kidney) cells and can be induced by stimulating the cMET pathway by HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) treatment; however, a comprehensive picture of gene activity and splicing events during EMT has not yet been compiled.

Recommended Citation

Burton, Jason and Hansen, Marc (2013) "MDCK Gene Expression During EMT," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1524.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1524