Significance of NOTCH1 Expression in the Progression of Human Lung and Colorectal Cancers.

Lung and colorectal cancers are the most common types of cancer characterized by a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Mutations in the genes encoding components of the main intra- and extracellular signaling pathways, in particular the NOTCH1 gene (Notch1, a member of the Notch family of receptors), play one of the key roles in progression of these malignancies. Notch signaling is involved in maintaining homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium and structural and functional lung elements.