Identification and quantification of notch receptors in human cutaneous melanoma using molecular biology techniques: literature review

Abstract

Background The Notch signaling pathway and its modulators are directly related to growth, verticalization and metastasis in melanoma, being a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of this type of cancer. There are several methods of molecular biology to identify and quantify Notch receptors and it is essential to study them for understanding the different results, advantages and disadvantages of each. Main body The present study brings a bibliographic review on the molecular biology methods used in the identification and quantification of these molecules, aiming to facilitate research involving Notch receptors in human melanoma. We identified as main methods of molecular biology Western Blotting, Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarrays. A brief description of these methodologies is made and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Results concerning the function of this pathway are also discussed. Short conclusion It is known that the activation of Notch receptors is tumorigenic in most cases, however, depending on the microenvironment, it can provide tumor suppression. The adequate choice and use of the methodology for identification and quantification of Notch receptors is essential for the progress of knowledge of this important signaling pathway, which, certainly, will allow advances in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma.

Identification and Validation of Common Reference Genes for Normalization of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Gene Expression Profiles

“…qRT-PCR analysis has been widely used to quantify target gene transcription levels. And it has proven to be a robust and specific method for characterizing gene function and confirming the identity of candidate genes 9 BioMed Research International in esophageal cancer pathogenesis [76][77][78]. This technique can detect weak signals from very small biopsy samples when patients are in the early stages of cancer.…”