Notch homolog 1, translocation-associated (Drosophila), also known as NOTCH1, is a human gene encoding a single-pass transmembrane receptor.
This gene encodes a member of the Notch family. Members of this Type 1 transmembrane protein family share structural characteristics including an extracellular domain consisting of multiple epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats, and an intracellular domain consisting of multiple, different domain types. Notch family members play a role in a variety of developmental processes by controlling cell fate decisions. The Notch signaling network is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway which regulates interactions between physically adjacent cells. In Drosophilia, notch interaction with its cell-bound ligands (delta, serrate) establishes an intercellular signaling pathway that plays a key role in development. Homologues of the notch-ligands have also been identified in human, but precise interactions between these ligands and the human notch homologues remain to be determined. This protein is cleaved in the trans-Golgi network, and presented on the cell surface as a heterodimer. This protein functions as a receptor for membrane bound ligands, and may play multiple roles during development.1 A deficiency can be associated with bicuspid aortic valve.2
There is evidence that activated Notch 1 and Notch 3 promote differentiation of progenitor cells into astroglia.3 Interestingliy, Notch 1, then activated before birth, induces radial glia differentiation,4 but postnatally induces the differentiation into astrocytes.5 One study shows that Notch-1 cascade is activated by Reelin in an undentified way.6
Artavanis-Tsakonas S, Rand MD, Lake RJ (1999). "Notch signaling: cell fate control and signal integration in development.". Science284 (5415): 770–6. PMID 10221902.
