Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Osteosarcoma as a Key Driver of Pulmonary Metastasis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor with a high risk of lung metastasis, which severely affects patient survival. EMT plays a major role in tumor spread, therapy resistance, and cancer stemness. This review explores how EMT contributes to osteosarcoma metastasis and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We reviewed recent studies on EMT-related signaling pathways, transcription factors, and regulatory RNAs in osteosarcoma. We also examined the role of the tumor microenvironment.

Results

EMT promotes cell detachment, migration, and lung colonization. Key pathways such as TGF-β, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, STAT3, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin are involved. Non-coding RNAs further regulate EMT by interacting with these pathways. The tumor microenvironment, includin

SUBMITTER: Luo F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12428473 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature