FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer.

Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by ) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between /FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT.