A gene involved in cell fate specification. It is found in all metazoans and in mammals there are four different notch receptors (NOTCH1-NOTCH4). Notch signalling in conjunction with other gene encoded proteins plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a wide variety of tissues during both embryonic and adult life. For example, it is has a role in gliogenesis (glial cell specification), development of neurites and the heart, as well as in the maintenance of neural plasticity during the life span. Aberrations in notch signalling are associated with cancer, immune disorders, stroke, cognitive disorders and developmental syndromes.
See Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMaP), Glial cells, Metazoan, Neurite, Noggin, Permissive interaction, Plasticity (neural)