Notch receptors in GtoPdb v.2024.2

Abstract

The Notch signalling pathway is crucial for cell fate decisions during embryogenesis and in fully developed organisms. Notch receptors (4 genes in humans) are single pass trans-membrane proteins that interact with membrane-bound endogenous peptide ligands from the Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 (DSL) family. Receptor-ligand engagement can occur in trans (between adjacent cells) or cis (on the same cell). Notch-ligand complexes formed in trans are endocytosed by the ligand-expressing cell, followed by protease-mediated cleavages that free the intracellular fragment of Notch (NICD) to translocate to the nucleus where it participates in the assembly of transcriptional activation complexes. Cis-formed complexes are inhibitory in function and act to restrict the spread of Notch activity.