Notch as a molecular switch in neural stem cells.
Notch signaling pathway, originally discovered in Drosophila, impinges on a wide array of cellular processes including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell apoptosis. Recent accumulating evidences implicated the important roles of Notch signal pathway in different aspects of stem cell biology of neural stem cell (NSC). In vivo and in vitro studies illustrated that Notch signal pathway could promote gliogenesis, inhibit premature neurogenesis, and be involved in self-renew of NSC. This short review summarizes the roles of the Notch signaling pathway on gliogenesis, neurogenesis, and self-renew of NSC and their underlying molecular mechanisms.
Zhou
Zhi-Dong
ZD
National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore.
Kumari
Udhaya
U
Xiao
Zhi-Cheng
ZC
Tan
Eng-King
EK
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*
D051880:Receptors, Notch