Abstract: Delta-like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) inhibitors are disclosed. The DLK1 inhibitors can be used to treat cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and cancers of the liver, breast, brain, pancreas, colon, lung, kidney, ovary, testes, and/or adrenal gland, among other uses described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for inducing Notch signaling in a targeted manner within aggregations of cells. The methods include contacting the aggregation of cells with a bi-specific molecule that facilitates trans-binding of Notch receptor. The bi-specific molecule comprising a cell-targeting domain that specifically binds to a cell-specific antigen expressed in the aggregation of cells, and a Notch-binding domain that specifically binds to Notch receptor. In some aspects, the disclosed methods and reagents provide methods of promoting pro-inflammatory states in tumor micro-environments.