Notch signaling pathway in cervical cancer: From molecular mechanism to therapeutic potential
The Notch signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved cell-cell communication system, regulates fundamental processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and tissue homeostasis. In cervical cancer (CC), the Notch signaling pathway exhibits dual oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions. These opposing effects arise from microenvironmental interactions and crosstalk with other oncogenic pathways, such as the Wnt and Hippo pathways. Emerging evidence indicates that dysregulated Notch signaling is prevalent in solid tumors like cervical cancer, where it drives tumor progression via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), therapy resistance, angiogenesis, and other mechanisms. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Notch signaling in cervical carcinogenesis, highlighting its roles in maintaining cancer stem cells (CSCs) and promoting metastasis. We further evaluate emerging Notch-targeted therapeutic strategies and their clinical potential.