SNAI2 and neoplasm: Collectively, these findings suggest that LCN2 may induce EMT via the ER/Slug pathway, beginning with the downregulation of ERα, leading to the upregulation of Slug expression, and culminating in the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype (53).The role of LCN2 in EMT within the tumor microenvironment (TME) has also been investigated.