BMP-4 enhances epithelial mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell properties of breast cancer cells via Notch signaling

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and Notch signaling play important roles in tumorigenesis in various organs and tissues, including the breast. BMP-4 enhanced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell properties in both mammary epithelial cell line and breast carcinoma cell line. BMP-4 increased the expression of EMT biomarkers, such as fibronectin, laminin, N-cadherin, and Slug. BMP-4 also activated Notch signaling in...