Role of Oral Microbes in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Progression

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process where epithelial cells lose their polarity and adhesion properties, acquiring mesenchymal characteristics such as enhanced migratory ability and invasiveness. Cells undergoing EMT exhibit enhanced motility, aggressiveness, and stemness, contributing to a pro-tumor environment that facilitates malignant metastasis in cancer. Numerous studies have suggested that oral microbes facilitate carcinogenesis through EMT. Oral microbes can directly initiate EMT by adhering to mucosal layers and provoking the disintegration of intercellular adhesion among epithelial cells, thereby modifying cell polarity and downstream signaling pathways. Indirectly, the microbial metabolites and associated compounds can affect the dynamics of EMT. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which oral microbes regulate EMT and thus contribute significantly to cancer. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the increased plasticity of cancer cells induced by the oral microbiota will facilitate the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies.