[Role of Notch signaling pathway in pathogenesis of leukemia and angiogenesis]

The occurrence and development of many tumors all relate with abnormal expression of the Notch receptor. The role of different Notch receptors may be different, even contrary in different tissues at different stages of tumor development, as well as in the same system tumors. Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis, and is as a meeting point for many important cell signaling pathway. Angiogenesis is regulated by complex interactions of multiple activators and inhibitors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Notch signaling pathway are involved in such process. Many studies have confirmed that Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in the embryonic development and tumour angiogenesis. Recent studies have also revealed that Notch signaling pathway has many potential drug targets. Based on study of Notch signaling pathway and its molecular mechanism of leukemia, to design drugs effecting these targets to block and activate Notch signaling pathway for therapy of leukemia and angiogenesis diseases has a broad application prospects. This review summarises the components of Notch signaling pathway and the role of Notch signaling pathway in occurrence of leukemia and angiogenesis.