  Purpose of review: The epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and the
generation of Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) are two fundamental aspects contributing
to tumor growth, acquisition of resistance to therapy, formation of metastases,
and tumor relapse. Recent experimental data identifying the circuits regulating
EMT and CSCs have driven the development of computational models capturing the
dynamics of these circuits and consequently various aspects of tumor
progression. Recent findings: We review the contribution made by these models
in a) recapitulating experimentally observed behavior, b) making experimentally
testable predictions, and c) driving emerging notions in the field, including
the emphasis on the aggressive potential of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M)
phenotype(s). We discuss dynamical and statistical models at intracellular and
population level relating to dynamics of EMT and CSCs, and those focusing on
interconnections between these two processes. Summary: These models highlight
the insights gained via mathematical modeling approaches, and emphasizes that
the connections between hybrid E/M phenotype(s) and stemness can be explained
by analyzing underlying regulatory circuits. Such experimentally curated models
have the potential of serving as platforms for better therapeutic design
strategies.
