TGF-β induces the EMT, conferring epithelial tumor cells with aggressive mesenchymal-like phenotypes accompanied by alterations in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecules (such as E-cadherin and N-cadherin) and the secretion of metalloproteinases (MMPs, such as MMP-9), resulting in metastasis. The gene discussed is CDH1; the disease is neoplasm.