Targeting Notch4 in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

• Main Authors: Xiu M, Zeng X, Shan R, Wen W, Li J, Wan R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2021-09-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Subjects: notch4 signaling; cancer; cancer stem cell; epithelial–mesenchymal transition; drug resistance; molecular mechanism; therapeutic perspective
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/targeting-notch4-in-cancer-molecular-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-perspe-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CMAR

Mengxi Xiu,1,2 Xiaohong Zeng,3 Renfeng Shan,1 Wu Wen,1 Jianfeng Li,1 Renhua Wan1 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China; 2Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China; 3Imaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiaohong ZengImaging Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail [e-mail] WanDepartment of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, 603 Bayi Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People’s Republic of ChinaTel + 64 (0791)-86360580Email [e-mail]: The dysregulation of Notch signaling is found in many cancers and is closely related to cancer progression. As an important Notch receptor, abnormal Notch4 expression affects several tumor-cell behaviors, including stemness, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, radio/chemoresistance and angiogenesis. In order to inhibit the oncogenic effects of Notch4 activation, several methods for targeting Notch4 signaling have been proposed. In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms through which Notch4 affects cancer progression. Finally, we discuss potential Notch4-targeting therapeutic strategies as a reference for future research.Keywords: Notch4 signaling, cancer, cancer stem cell, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, drug resistance, molecular mechanism, therapeutic perspective