Expression and Role of Notch Signaling Pathway in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

Objective To investigate the role of the Notch signaling in NPC cells. MethodsThe expression of Notch receptors was detected in 5-8F cells and CNE-1 cells by Western blot. Both of these cancer cells were treated with Notch inhibitor GSIs. The proliferation and apoptosis were observed after treated by GSI. ResultsNotch inhibitor and GSI suppressed the levels of Notch-1, Notch-2 and Notch-4, but not of Notch-3. GSI inhibited NPC cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. In addition, GSI inhibited the AKT and MEK signaling in these NPC cells. ConclusionNPC cells may up-regulate Notch signaling to maintain their proliferation. Notch signaling pathway may be a new potential target for the treatment of NPC.