scholarly journals Notch Signalling in Breast Development and Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Edwards ◽  
Keith Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Normal Mammary Gland ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Notch Signalling Pathway

The Notch signalling pathway is a highly conserved developmental signalling pathway, with vital roles in determining cell fate during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Notch signalling has been implicated in many disease pathologies, including cancer. In this review, we will outline the mechanism and regulation of the Notch signalling pathway. We will also outline the role Notch signalling plays in normal mammary gland development and how Notch signalling is implicated in breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. We will cover how Notch signalling controls several different hallmarks of cancer within epithelial cells with sections focussed on its roles in proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. We will provide evidence for Notch signalling in the breast cancer stem cell phenotype, which also has implications for therapy resistance and disease relapse in breast cancer patients. Finally, we will summarise the developments in therapeutic targeting of Notch signalling, and the pros and cons of this approach for the treatment of breast cancer.

Conservation of the Notch signalling pathway in mammalian neurogenesis

Development ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 1139-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.L. Pompa de la ◽  
A. Wakeham ◽  
K.M. Correia ◽  
E. Samper ◽  
S. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Notch Signalling Pathway ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions ◽  
Targeted Mutation ◽  
Multiple Cell

The Notch pathway functions in multiple cell fate determination processes in invertebrate embryos, including the decision between the neuroblast and epidermoblast lineages in Drosophila. In the mouse, targeted mutation of the Notch pathway genes Notch1 and RBP-Jk has demonstrated a role for these genes in somite segmentation, but a function in neurogenesis and in cell fate decisions has not been shown. Here we show that these mutations lead to altered expression of the Notch signalling pathway homologues Hes-5, Mash-1 and Dll1, resulting in enhanced neurogenesis. Precocious neuronal differentiation is indicated by the expanded expression domains of Math4A, neuroD and NSCL-1. The RBP-Jk mutation has stronger effects on expression of these genes than does the Notch1 mutation, consistent with functional redundancy of Notch genes in neurogenesis. Our results demonstrate conservation of the Notch pathway and its regulatory mechanisms from fly to mouse, and support a role for the murine Notch signalling pathway in the regulation of neural stem cell differentiation.

Non-degradative ubiquitination of the Notch1 receptor by the E3 ligase MDM2 activates the Notch signalling pathway

2013 ◽  
Vol 450 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Pettersson ◽  
Matylda Sczaniecka ◽  
Lorna McLaren ◽  
Fiona Russell ◽  
Karen Gladstone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
E3 Ligase ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Notch Receptor ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Notch 1 ◽  
Notch Signalling Pathway ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions ◽  
Site Binding ◽  
Notch1 Receptor

The Notch receptor is necessary for modulating cell fate decisions throughout development, and aberrant activation of Notch signalling has been associated with many diseases, including tumorigenesis. The E3 ligase MDM2 (murine double minute 2) plays a role in regulating the Notch signalling pathway through its interaction with NUMB. In the present study we report that MDM2 can also exert its oncogenic effects on the Notch signalling pathway by directly interacting with the Notch 1 receptor through dual-site binding. This involves both the N-terminal and acidic domains of MDM2 and the RAM [RBP-Jκ (recombination signal-binding protein 1 for Jκ)-associated molecule] and ANK (ankyrin) domains of Notch 1. Although the interaction between Notch1 and MDM2 results in ubiquitination of Notch1, this does not result in degradation of Notch1, but instead leads to activation of the intracellular domain of Notch1. Furthermore, MDM2 can synergize with Notch1 to inhibit apoptosis and promote proliferation. This highlights yet another target for MDM2-mediated ubiquitination that results in activation of the protein rather than degradation and makes MDM2 an attractive target for drug discovery for both the p53 and Notch signalling pathways.

scholarly journals A Role for Notch Signalling in Breast Cancer and Endocrine Resistance

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Acar ◽  
Bruno M. Simões ◽  
Robert B. Clarke ◽  
Keith Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endocrine Resistance ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cancer Field ◽  
Stem Cell Activity ◽  
Promising Treatment

Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the Notch signalling pathway within the breast cancer field. This interest stemmed initially from the observation that Notch signalling is aberrantly activated in breast cancer and its effects on various cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer stem cell activity. However more recently, elevated Notch signalling has been correlated with therapy resistance in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. As a result, inhibiting Notch signalling with therapeutic agents is being explored as a promising treatment option for breast cancer patients.

scholarly journals The role of Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), in cancer angiogenesis—implications for therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlena Brzozowa-Zasada
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Gamma Secretase ◽  
Tumour Angiogenesis ◽  
Notch Signalling Pathway ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Blocking Agents ◽  
Anti Cancer

Summary Background It is generally accepted that angiogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process characterized by the growth of blood vessels from existing vasculature. Activation of the Notch signalling pathway affects multiple aspects of vascular development. One of the components of the Notch signalling pathway, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), has recently appeared as a critical regulator of tumour angiogenesis and thus as a promising therapeutic target. Methods This review article includes available data from peer-reviewed publications associated with the role of DLL4 in cancer angiogenesis. Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Web of Science using the terms “tumour angiogenesis”, “DLL4”, “Notch signalling” and “anti-cancer therapy”. Results The survival curves of cancer patients revealed that the patients with high DLL4 expression levels had significantly shorter survival times than the patients with low DLL4 expression. Moreover, a positive correlation was also identified between DLL4 and VEGF receptorsʼ expression levels. It seems that inhibition of DLL4 may exert potent growth inhibitory effects on some tumours resistant to anti-VEGF therapies. A great number of blocking agents of DLL4/Notch signalling including anti-DLL4 antibodies, DNA vaccination, Notch antibodies and gamma-secretase inhibitors have been studied in preclinical tumour models. Conclusion DLL4 seems to be a promising target in anti-cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the careful evaluation of adverse effects on normal physiological processes in relation to therapeutic doses of anti-DLL4 drugs will be significant for advancement of DLL4 blocking agents in clinical oncology.

Regulation of the breast cancer stem cell phenotype by hypoxia-inducible factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (12) ◽  
pp. 1037-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregg L. Semenza
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factors ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype ◽  
Response To Chemotherapy ◽  
Small Subpopulation

The small subpopulation of breast cancer cells that possess the capability for self-renewal and formation of secondary tumours that recapitulate the heterogeneity of the primary tumour are referred to as tumour-initiating cells or BCSCs (breast cancer stem cells). The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and chemotherapy actively induce the BCSC phenotype. HIFs (hypoxia-inducible factors) are required and molecular mechanisms by which they promote the BCSC phenotype have recently been delineated. HIF inhibitors block chemotherapy-induced enrichment of BCSCs, suggesting that their use may improve the response to chemotherapy and increase the survival of breast cancer patients.

scholarly journals Novel players in the Notch signalling pathway

2007 ◽  
Vol 306 (1) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Hugo J. Bellen ◽  
Melih Acar ◽  
Hamed Jafar Nejad ◽  
Anchi Tien ◽  
Akhila Rajan
Keyword(s):  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Signalling Pathway ◽  
Notch Signalling Pathway

scholarly journals Blockade of CDK7 Reverses Endocrine Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasmin M. Attia ◽  
Samia A. Shouman ◽  
Salama A. Salama ◽  
Cristina Ivan ◽  
Abdelrahman M. Elsayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Tamoxifen Treatment ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Breast Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-7 inhibitors are emerging as promising drugs for the treatment of different types of cancer that show chemotherapy resistance. Evaluation of the effects of CDK7 inhibitor, THZ1, alone and combined with tamoxifen is of paramount importance. Thus, in the current work, we assessed the effects of THZ1 and/or tamoxifen in two estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) and its tamoxifen resistant counterpart (LCC2) in vitro and in xenograft mouse models of breast cancer. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of CDK7 in clinical samples from breast cancer patients. Cell viability, apoptosis, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation and tamoxifen resistance were determined. Tumor volume and weight, proliferation marker (Ki67), angiogenic marker (CD31), and apoptotic markers were assayed. Bioinformatic data indicated CDK7 expression was associated with negative prognosis, enhanced pro-oncogenic pathways, and decreased response to tamoxifen. Treatment with THZ1 enhanced tamoxifen-induced cytotoxicity, while it inhibited genes involved in tumor progression in MCF-7 and LCC2 cells. In vivo, THZ1 boosted the effect of tamoxifen on tumor weight and tumor volume, reduced Ki67 and CD31 expression, and increased apoptotic cell death. Our findings identify CDK7 as a possible therapeutic target for breast cancer whether it is sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen therapy.

scholarly journals Bringing androgens up a NOTCH in breast cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. T183-T202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard A Tarulli ◽  
Lisa M Butler ◽  
Wayne D Tilley ◽  
Theresa E Hickey
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Normal Breast ◽  
Notch Signalling ◽  
Breast Development ◽  
Breast Epithelium ◽  
Breast Epithelial Cells ◽  
Androgen Action ◽  
Breast Epithelial

While it has been known for decades that androgen hormones influence normal breast development and breast carcinogenesis, the underlying mechanisms have only been recently elucidated. To date, most studies have focused on androgen action in breast cancer cell lines, yet these studies represent artificial systems that often do not faithfully replicate/recapitulate the cellular, molecular and hormonal environments of breast tumoursin vivo. It is critical to have a better understanding of how androgens act in the normal mammary gland as well as inin vivosystems that maintain a relevant tumour microenvironment to gain insights into the role of androgens in the modulation of breast cancer development. This in turn will facilitate application of androgen-modulation therapy in breast cancer. This is particularly relevant as current clinical trials focus on inhibiting androgen action as breast cancer therapy but, depending on the steroid receptor profile of the tumour, certain individuals may be better served by selectively stimulating androgen action. Androgen receptor (AR) protein is primarily expressed by the hormone-sensing compartment of normal breast epithelium, commonly referred to as oestrogen receptor alpha (ERa (ESR1))-positive breast epithelial cells, which also express progesterone receptors (PRs) and prolactin receptors and exert powerful developmental influences on adjacent breast epithelial cells. Recent lineage-tracing studies, particularly those focussed on NOTCH signalling, and genetic analysis of cancer risk in the normal breast highlight how signalling via the hormone-sensing compartment can influence normal breast development and breast cancer susceptibility. This provides an impetus to focus on the relationship between androgens, AR and NOTCH signalling and the crosstalk between ERa and PR signalling in the hormone-sensing component of breast epithelium in order to unravel the mechanisms behind the ability of androgens to modulate breast cancer initiation and growth.

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