Abstract: Angiogenesis is regulated by complex interactions of multiple activators and inhibitors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Notch signaling pathway are involved in such process. Previous studies have demonstrated that Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in the embryonic development and tumour angiogenesis. Recent studies have identified the previously unknown role of Dll4-Notch signaling during vascular development and clarified the mechanism of the vascular defects which result reduction of Notch signaling, thus Dll4-Notch became regarded as novel and important drug targets for disrupting tumour angiogenesis. This review emphasizes on introduction of the constitution of Notch signaling pathway, the role of Dll4-Notch in angiogenesis and the significance of Dll4-Notch for tumour therapy.

Key words: Notch gene, Notch protein, Dll4, VEGF