Notch: A Multi-Functional Integrating System of Microenvironmental Signals

Authors

Bryce LaFoya, Boise State UniversityFollow
Jordan A. Munroe, Boise State University
Masum M. Mia, Boise State University
Michael A. Detweiler, Boise State University
Jacob J. Crow, Boise State UniversityFollow
Travis Wood, Boise State University
Steven Roth, Boise State University
Allan R. Albig, Boise State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-15-2016

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.08.023

Abstract

The Notch signaling cascade is an evolutionarily ancient system that allows cells to interact with their microenvironmental neighbors through direct cell-cell interactions, thereby directing a variety of developmental processes. Recent research is discovering that Notch signaling is also responsive to a broad variety of stimuli beyond cell-cell interactions, including: ECM composition, crosstalk with other signaling systems, shear stress, hypoxia, and hyperglycemia. Given this emerging understanding of Notch responsiveness to microenvironmental conditions, it appears that the classical view of Notch as a mechanism enabling cell-cell interactions, is only a part of a broader function to integrate microenvironmental cues. In this review, we summarize and discuss published data supporting the idea that the full function of Notch signaling is to serve as an integrator of microenvironmental signals thus allowing cells to sense and respond to a multitude of conditions around them.

Comments

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Publication Information

LaFoya, Bryce; Munroe, Jordan A.; Mia, Masum M.; Detweiler, Michael A.; Crow, Jacob J.; Wood, Travis; Roth, Steven; and Albig, Allan R.. (2016). "Notch: A Multi-Functional Integrating System of Microenvironmental Signals". Developmental Biology, 418(2), 227-241.