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Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
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Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer

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Nanoparticles for Manipulation of the Developmental Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch Signaling Pathways in Cancer

D M Valcourt1, M N Dang1, J Wang1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|November 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Dysregulated Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways drive cancer. Nanoparticles offer a promising solution for delivering inhibitors to effectively target these pathways and halt tumor progression.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Cancer biology
  • Nanomedicine

Background:

  • Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways are crucial for development and tissue homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of these pathways contributes to cancer initiation and progression by promoting cell survival, proliferation, and stemness.
  • Targeting these pathways is a promising anti-cancer strategy, but faces challenges due to pathway complexity and crosstalk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling in cancer.
  • To discuss nanoparticle-based delivery systems for inhibiting these pathways.
  • To highlight challenges and opportunities for clinical translation of nanocarrier-based cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling in cancer.
  • Analysis of nanoparticle formulations for delivering therapeutic agents (small molecules, RNA, antibodies).
  • Discussion of mechanisms of action and delivery challenges.

Main Results:

  • Nanoparticle delivery vehicles can overcome systemic delivery challenges for inhibitors of Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch pathways.
  • Various nanoparticle formulations have been developed to deliver targeted therapies.
  • Nanoparticle-based strategies show potential for enhancing anti-cancer effects.

Conclusions:

  • Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of inhibitors targeting Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways holds significant promise for cancer therapy.
  • Overcoming challenges in nanocarrier design and systemic delivery is crucial for clinical translation.
  • Further research is needed to optimize nanocarrier efficacy and safety for halting tumor progression.
Keywords:
AntibodyDrug deliveryGene regulationMultivalencyNanocarrierNanomedicineRNA interferenceSmall molecule

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