Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch Signaling Pathway is a crucial communication system between cells that regulates various developmental processes. It involves the interaction of Notch receptors on one cell with ligands on an adjacent cell, leading to the activation of the Notch signaling cascade. This pathway influences cell fate decisions, differentiation, and tissue development.
When the Notch receptor is activated, it undergoes a series of proteolytic cleavages, releasing an intracellular domain that translocates to the nucleus. Here, it interacts with transcription factors to regulate gene expression, impacting processes such as neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune responses.