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Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: January 12, 2020
Regulation of the Notch signaling pathway by natural products for cancer therapy
Jiayi Cai1, Yajie Qiao1, Lingbin Chen1
1School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
Abstract:
The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that modulates normal biological processes involved in cellular differentiation, apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal in a context-dependent fashion. Attributed to its pleiotropic physiological roles, both overexpression and silencing of the pathway are associated with the emergence, progression, and poorer prognosis in various types of cancer. To decrease disease incidence and promote survival, targeting Notch may have chemopreventive and anti-cancer effects. Natural products with profound historical origins have distinguished themselves from other therapies due to their easy access, high biological compatibility, low toxicity, and reliable effects at specific physiological sites in vivo. This review describes the Notch signaling pathway, particularly its normal activation process, and some main illnesses related to Notch signaling pathway dysregulation. Emphasis is placed on the effects and mechanisms of natural products targeting the Notch signaling pathway in diverse cancer types, including curcumin, ellagic acid (EA), resveratrol, genistein, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, and xanthohumol and so on. Existing evidence indicates that natural products are feasible solution to fight against cancer by targeting Notch signaling, either alone or in combination with current therapeutic agents.
Insights
Targeting the Notch signaling pathway with natural products shows promise for cancer prevention and treatment. These compounds offer a low-toxicity approach to combatting various cancers by modulating Notch signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The Notch signaling pathway regulates crucial cellular processes like differentiation and stem cell renewal.
- Dysregulation of Notch signaling is implicated in cancer development, progression, and poor prognosis.
- Natural products offer a promising therapeutic avenue due to their accessibility, compatibility, and low toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Notch signaling pathway and its role in diseases.
- To explore the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of natural products targeting Notch signaling.
- To highlight the potential of natural products in cancer chemoprevention and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Notch signaling pathway activation and dysregulation.
- Analysis of studies on natural products affecting Notch signaling in cancer.
- Focus on specific compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG.
Main Results:
- Natural products demonstrate significant effects against various cancer types by targeting the Notch pathway.
- Compounds such as curcumin, ellagic acid, resveratrol, genistein, EGCG, quercetin, and xanthohumol show anti-cancer potential.
- These natural agents can be used alone or in combination with conventional therapies.
Conclusions:
- Natural products provide a feasible strategy for cancer treatment by targeting Notch signaling.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to novel chemopreventive and therapeutic agents.
- Targeting Notch signaling with natural products represents a promising approach to improve cancer patient survival.
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