Notch Signaling in the Pathogenesis, Progression and Identification of Potential Targets for Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive bile duct cancer with a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatment. This systematic review aimed to analyze the association between Notch signaling and CCA in pathogenesis, progression, and its potential molecular targets for CCA control. The information from the three databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) using the search terms “Cholangiocarcinoma” AND “Notch signaling.” Twenty-eight out of ninety articles which were fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the analysis. Overexpression/upregulation of Notch ligands (e.g., Jagged1 and Notch receptor (Notch1, Notch2, and Notch3), as well as upregulation of the upstream Notch signaling, activates CCA development and progression. Downregulation of Notch1 signaling by a variety of therapies appears to be a promising option for preventing CCA formation and progression. CCA control should examine the Notch signaling system as a possible target.