What is the Origin of Notch Signaling?

The pathway is named after the Notch gene, which was first identified in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster due to a mutation that caused notches in the wings. This discovery established the pathway's ancient evolutionary origin and its fundamental role in development. The term signaling refers to the process of transmitting information from one cell to another.

What is the Mechanism of Notch Signaling?

The pathway is activated when a Notch receptor on one cell physically interacts with its ligand (e.g., Delta or Jagged) on an adjacent cell. This binding induces two sequential proteolytic cleavages of the Notch receptor's intracellular domain (NICD). The liberated NICD then translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to a DNA-binding protein (CSL), converting it from a repressor into a transcriptional activator to initiate the expression of target genes.

Notch Signaling ∞ Area

Notch Signaling

Meaning

Notch Signaling is a highly conserved, fundamental cell-to-cell communication pathway crucial for regulating cell fate decisions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, throughout embryonic development and adult tissue maintenance. It functions primarily through direct contact between adjacent cells, influencing the development of numerous systems, including the endocrine pancreas and the vascular endothelium. Dysregulation of this pathway is frequently implicated in developmental disorders and various malignancies, highlighting its role as a key modulator of cellular identity.