There are several EMT markers in cancer, such as vimentin, n-cadherin, SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB etc. How do you decide which one to use?
E-cadherin (epithelial) and N-cadherin (mesenchymal) are very promising markers for EMT in breast cancer cells. So, it could suitable for CTCs too.
Dear adity,
I think that you cannot decide to use only one instead of another. given that EMT is a pretty complex event you should decide according combinations of them.
for example: Twist-1 and Zeb-1 are two of the main four transcription factors therefore if you choose them. I would include also E-cadherin ( epithelial) and N-cadherin (mesenchymal) in order to verify the cadherins switch typical of this event.
moreover, assuming that tumors with increased activated pAKT and pERK together with decreased E-cadherin expression are destined to undergo EMT I would also include pAKT and pERK to have a more complete and wide view of the process.
last but not least: vimentin and cytokeratin in order to control if you'll have modifications of the intermediate filaments. please first verify which type of keratin your tumor specifically express in order to be more precise.
hope this can help
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