The role of notch signaling in bone marrow niche.

Objective: Bone marrow (BM) niche is a three-dimensional structure composed of a series of cells and it is one of the most controversial topics in hematological malignancies, leukemia, and even metastasis. Here, we review the relationship between Notch signaling and different fates of stem cells and other BM niche cells.

Methods: Relevant English-language literature were searched and retrieved from PubMed (2000-2013) using the terms Notch signaling, BM niche, and microRNAs (miRNAs).

Discussion: Notch signaling pathway is a signaling system involved in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The notch signaling pathway components are associated with interaction between leukemic, metastatic, and normal cells and their microenvironment. miRNAs play an important role in expression and regulation of signaling molecules. It is necessary to evaluate the relationship between aberrant miRNA expression and notch signaling such as miR-128 and miR-30 in glioma and angiogenesis with notch signaling, respectively.

Conclusions: Characterizing malignant cells and future studies focus on better understanding the variety of cancers and apoptosis with activated Notch signaling pathway, may remain promising this signaling system as a safe and effective therapeutic target.