Lecture Twelve: Notch Signalling Pathway

This lecture aims to provide insight into the classification, structure, and function of the Notch receptors. In receptor activation, the association between the Notch receptor and ligand is reviewed and depends on three enzymes: Furin-like protease, ADAM disintegrin and metalloproteases, and E3 ligases. During signal transduction, the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) of the activated receptor translocates to the nucleus where it binds to the transcription factor called CSL. The NICD-CSL complex activates the transcription of target genes. Other mechanisms of inducing transcription are discussed. Cellular responses involve cellular growth, cell cycle regulation, homeostasis, and apoptosis. The role of Notch receptors in cancer as a double sword is elucidated. It promotes tumour progression via the mutations and amplification in the Notch receptors and ligands that cause several types of tumours. Notch receptors can also suppress tumours by activating the tumour suppressor p53 and low expression of DLL4-Notch.