The emerging role of Notch pathway in ageing: Focus on the related mechanisms in age-related diseases.
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway, which is fundamental for the development of all tissues, organs and systems of human body. Recently, a considerable and still growing number of studies have highlighted the contribution of Notch signaling in various pathological processes of the adult life, such as age-related diseases. In particular, the Notch pathway has emerged as major player in the maintenance of tissue specific homeostasis, through the control of proliferation, migration, phenotypes and functions of tissue cells, as well as in the cross-talk between inflammatory cells and the innate immune system, and in onset of inflammatory age-related diseases. However, until now there is a confounding evidence about the related mechanisms. Here, we discuss mechanisms through which Notch signaling acts in a very complex network of pathways, where it seems to have the crucial role of hub. Thus, we stress the possibility to use Notch pathway, the related molecules and pathways constituting this network, both as innovative (predictive, diagnostic and prognostic) biomarkers and targets for personalised treatments for age-related diseases.
Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy. Electronic address: carmelarita.balistreri@unipa.it.
Carmela Rita
CR
Balistreri
Center of Excellence on Aging, Institute of Cardiology, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Rosalinda
R
Madonna
Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK; University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Gerry
G
Melino
Department of Pathobiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
Calogero
C
Caruso
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D051880:Receptors, Notch
Age-related diseases; Ageing; Biomarkers and targets for personalized treatments; Involved mechanisms; Notch pathway; a signaling complex network