Figure 7. Crosstalk between MDM2, Slug and Twist in EMT.

A. In case of intact p53 function, MDM2 cooperates with p53 in the degradation of Slug, thereby preserving the epithelial phenotype. B. When p53 function is impaired, elevated expression of MDM2 correlates with the epithelial phenotype. Slug and Twist inhibit expression of MDM2 and promote EMT, which is associated with upregulated expression of MDMX. Solid lines delineate direct effects, dotted lines represent indirect mechanisms.