Notch signaling in breast cancer and tumor angiogenesis: cross-talk and therapeutic potentials.

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates numerous physiological processes. Disruption of Notch has been implicated in multiple tumor types. Evidence from in vitro experiments, mouse models and human tumor samples indicates that Notch plays a predominantly oncogenic role in breast cancer and interacts with other pathways involved in tumorigenesis. In addition, Notch signaling is required for physiological angiogenesis and may promote tumor angiogenesis. A variety of strategies for blocking Notch signaling, in particular gamma-secretase inhibition, are discussed as potential therapies for breast cancer and tumor angiogenesis.