Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in the development of many tissues and organs in multicellular organisms that its important role in the pathogenesis of metastasis and tumor cell migration has been firmly established. Decreased adhesive capacity, cytoskeletal reorganization, and increased mobility are hallmarks of the EMT. Several molecular mechanisms promote EMT, Including regulation of the levels of specific cell-surface proteins, ECM-degrading enzymes, and altering the expression of certain transcription factors and microRNAs. EMT process is modulated through multiple signaling pathways including the AKT/mTOR pathway. AKT is a key component in numerous processes which was recently shown to regulate the EMT through suppression of the expression of E-cadherin via EMT transcription factors. On the other hand, mTOR complexes can also regulate the EMT through the regulation of cell's actin cytoskeleton by altering the PKC phosphorylation state and direct phosphorylation and activation of Akt. Here we review the effect of AKT and mTOR on EMT and consequently metastasis and cell motility.

中文翻译：

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AKT和mTOR信号通路在诱导上皮-间质转化（EMT）过程中的作用。

上皮-间质转化（EMT）是多细胞生物中许多组织和器官发育的关键过程，其在转移和肿瘤细胞迁移的发病机理中的重要作用已得到牢固确立。粘附能力降低，细胞骨架重组和活动性增加是EMT的标志。有几种促进EMT的分子机制，包括调节特定细胞表面蛋白，ECM降解酶的水平，以及改变某些转录因子和microRNA的表达。EMT过程通过包括AKT / mTOR途径在内的多种信号途径进行调节。AKT是许多过程中的关键组成部分，最近显示它们通过通过EMT转录因子抑制E-钙粘着蛋白的表达来调节EMT。另一方面，mTOR复合物还可以通过改变PKC磷酸化状态以及直接磷酸化和激活Akt来调节细胞的肌动蛋白细胞骨架，从而调节EMT。在这里，我们回顾了AKT和mTOR对EMT的影响，以及因此对转移和细胞运动的影响。