Regulatory proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: from biology to clinical application

This lecture presents current data on the role of regulatory proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) in the context of tumor molecular stratification and personalized treatment selection. EMT is a key biological process associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. Special attention is given to the characterization of CRC molecular subtypes according to the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS) classification, particularly the CMS4 subtype with mesenchymal features, which is marked by high EMT activity and poor prognosis. The lecture discusses molecular and immunohistochemical markers indicative of EMT activation, including CDX2, ZEB1, HTR2B, FRMD6, BMI-1, and ROR1. The expression patterns and associated signaling pathways of these proteins are examined along with their influence on tumor aggressiveness, therapy resistance, and prospects for clinical application. Based on the literature analysis, the potential of these proteins as prognostic and possibly predictive biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets, is discussed.