TGF-β and RREB1 coordinate EMT programs in NMuMG cells

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) play prominent roles during development, regeneration and tumor progression. EMTs are triggered by TGF-β, RAS and other signals that cooperatively induce the expression of master EMT transcription factors such as SNAIL. Here, we elucidate how the TGF-β and RAS pathways jointly trigger EMTs and tie them to broader developmental programs. We identify RAS response element binding protein 1 (RREB1) as a critical partner of TGF-β-activated SMAD transcription factors in driving SNAIL expression and EMT program in mammary gland epithelial cells.