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Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a process whereby an epithelial cell undergoes a series of alterations, acquiring the morphological and functional characteristics of a mesenchymal cell. EMT plays a significant role in the progression of cancerous cells, including metastasis, tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Despite the identification of multiple molecular pathways implicated in the regulation of tumor EMT, no specific treatment has been developed to target this process. The bioactive compounds derived from seaweeds represent a significant area of research interest, given their potential therapeutic applications in a range of diseases. Sulfated glycans, derived from brown, red, and green algae, as well as their derivatives, have demonstrated anticancer activity in vitro , in vivo , and under preclinical conditions. This review summarized the significant and pivotal aspects of the use of fucoidans, carrageenans, and ulvans derived from brown, red, and green algae, respectively, and their derivatives, in the modulation of pathological EMT or its deleterious effects through the modulation of various cellular signal transduction pathways, both in vitro and in vivo . The objective of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of sulfated seaweed glycans and to provide insights into the relevance of individual polysaccharides in influencing tumor EMT, which may contribute to the development of new alternative cancer treatment options. • EMT of type I, II, and III support development, wound healing, and metastasis. • Activated MAPK, Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, HIF-1α signaling pathways drive EMT. • Up-regulated ZEB, SNAIL, TWIST transcription factors enhance EMT-mediated metastasis. • Fucoidans inhibit EMT by affecting kinases, transcription factors, and miRNAs. • Carrageenans and ulvans regulate cell cycle, induce apoptosis, and modulate EMT.
Malyarenko et al. (Sat,) studied this question.