Expression and significance of notch signaling pathway in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Notch signaling plays a role in stem cell biology, tumor formation, angiogenesis, and cell death. Targeting Notch pathway could serve as a therapeutic strategy in cancer. Little is known about the differential role of various components of the Notch pathway in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). To investigate the association of the Notch pathway in AdCC carcinogenesis, we analyzed the Notch receptor (Notch-1, Notch-2, Notch-4) and Notch ligand (Jagged-1, Delta) expressions. The results showed elevated expression levels of all 5 proteins in AdCC tissue relative to normal salivary gland tissues. Jagged-1/Notch-2 coexpression was significantly associated with increased patient survival rate. The elevated expression level of these Notch receptors and ligands in AdCC points to Notch signaling as a key player in AdCC pathogenesis. Our data provide evidence for a relationship between Jagged-1/Notch-2 coexpression and better overall patient survival with AdCC. Targeting Notch signaling pathway may provide therapeutic benefits for these patients.