Figure 5. Graphical summary.
Our data suggest that p38 inactivity reduces NR2F1 levels in normal mammary epithelial cells (left) and MMTV-HER2 ECCs (right). In the latter scenario, NR2F1 downregulation led to a partial EMT, a shift β-catenin localization from membrane to nuclei and a hybrid luminal/basal phenotype allowing dissemination of ECCs to distant organs. Thus, NR2F1 acts as a barrier for early dissemination and its loss in early lesions could indicate the presence of early disseminated cancer cells (eDCCs). Image by Jill Gregory. Used with permission of ©Mount Sinai Health System.