PI3K/Akt to GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade coordinates cell colonization for bladder cancer bone metastasis through regulating ZEB1 transcription

► Metastatic TCC cells acquire epithelial phenotypes after bone re-colonization. ► PI3K/Akt targets GSK3β/β-catenin to modulate ZEB1 expression and cell invasion. ► ZEB1 drives EMT and controls TCC cell adhesion, migration and invasion. ► Elevated ZEB1 correlates with EMT and clinical prognosis in muscle-invasive TCC.