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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: January 12, 2020
The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer
Ruolan Xia1,2, Maosen Xu1,2, Jing Yang3,4
1Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Xiang Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
Abstract:
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
Insights
Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways are crucial in cancer, but targeting them is complex. Understanding their crosstalk offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Signaling Pathways
Background:
- Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways are implicated in tumor proliferation, cancer stem cells, and the tumor microenvironment.
- Targeting Notch signaling in cancer is challenging due to its dual role (promoter/suppressor) and pathway complexity.
- Hedgehog pathway inhibitors show efficacy in basal cell carcinoma but face resistance and limited use in other cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling in cancer.
- To explore the crosstalk between Notch and Hedgehog pathways in tumor cells and microenvironments.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Notch and Hedgehog signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of pathway crosstalk in various tumor contexts.
- Discussion of clinical trials and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Notch and Hedgehog signaling play critical roles in cancer biology.
- Crosstalk between these pathways presents significant therapeutic opportunities.
- Clinical trials targeting these pathways are ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Further research into Notch-Hedgehog pathway crosstalk is essential for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting these pathways holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- Translating research findings from bench to bedside is a key goal.
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