NOTCH Signaling Pathway: Occurrence, Mechanism, and NOTCH-Directed Therapy for the Management of Cancer

It is now well understood that many signaling pathways are vital in carrying out and controlling essential pro-survival and pro-growth cellular functions. The NOTCH signaling pathway, a highly conserved evolutionary signaling pathway, has been thoroughly studied since the discovery of NOTCH phenotypes about 100 years ago in Drosophila melanogaster. Abnormal NOTCH signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of several diseases, notably cancer. In tumorigenesis, NOTCH plays the role of a double-edged sword, that is, it may act as an oncogene or as a tumor suppressor gene depending on the nature of the context. However, its involvement in several cancers and inhibition of the same provides targeted therapy for the management of cancer. The use of gamma (gamma)-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment involved NOTCH receptors inhibition, leading to the possibility of a targeted approach for cancer treatment. Likewise, several natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, diallyl sulfide, and genistein, also play a dynamic role in the management of cancer by inhibition of NOTCH receptors. This review outlines the functions and structure of NOTCH receptors and their associated ligands with the mechanism of the signaling pathway. In addition, it also emphasizes the role of NOTCH-targeted nanomedicine in various cancer treatment strategies.

Automated summary

This article discusses the importance of the NOTCH signaling pathway in cellular functions and its role in cancer. Abnormal NOTCH signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of several diseases, especially cancer. In tumorigenesis, NOTCH plays a dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene depending on the context. The article also explores the application of the NOTCH signaling pathway in cancer therapy, including the use of gamma-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, as well as the role of natural compounds in cancer treatment. Finally, the article emphasizes the significance of NOTCH-targeted nanomedicine in cancer treatment.