Trends in Molecular Medicine (May 2013) Volume 19(Issue 5) pp:320-327
Publication Date(Web):1 May 2013
DOI:10.1016/j.molmed.2013.03.003
The Notch signaling pathways are known to play critical roles during pancreatic development, but it remains unclear what functions are important in the adult organ. One area of debate is the role of Notch signaling in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and proposed precursor lesions, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). Initial studies revealed that Notch signaling is reactivated during PDAC initiation and development, suggesting that Notch promotes PDAC and may therefore represent a target for drug development. However, more recent work reveals a tumor suppressive role for Notch receptors in the context of PanIN development. Here, we summarize the current literature describing Notch signaling in the development of PDAC, and discuss the potential of the Notch pathway as a therapeutic target.
Co-reporter:Susana Moleirinho, William Guerrant, Joseph L. Kissil
FEBS Letters (19 August 2014) Volume 588(Issue 16) pp:2693-2703
Publication Date(Web):19 August 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.006
Angiomotins were originally identified as angiostatin binding proteins and implicated in the regulation of endothelial cell migration. Recent studies have shed light on the role of Angiomotins and other members of the Motin protein family in epithelial cells and in pathways directly linked to the pathogenesis of cancer. In particular, Motins have been shown to play a role in signaling pathways regulated by small G-proteins and the Hippo–YAP pathway. In this review the role of the Motin protein family in these signaling pathways will be described and open questions will be discussed.