An overview of notch signaling in adult tissue renewal and maintenance

Curr Alzheimer Res. 2012 Feb;9(2):227-40. doi: 10.2174/156720512799361600.

Abstract

The Notch pathway is a critical mediator of short-range cell-cell communication that is reiteratively used to regulate a diverse array of cellular processes during embryonic development and the renewal and maintenance of adult tissues. Most Notch-dependent processes utilize a core signaling mechanism that is dependent on regulated intramembrane proteolysis: Upon ligand binding, Notch receptors undergo ectodomain shedding by ADAM metalloproteases, followed by γ-secretase-mediated intramembrane proteolysis. This releases the Notch intracellular domain, which translocates to the nucleus to activate transcription. In this review, we highlight the roles of Notch signaling particularly in self-renewing tissues in adults and several human diseases and raise some key considerations when targeting ADAMs and γ-secretase as disease-modifying strategies for Alzheimer's Disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / metabolism
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Communication
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Notch
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • ADAM Proteins