The role of notch in modeling and maintaining the vasculature

The Notch proteins encompass a family of transmembrane receptors that have been highly conserved through evolution as mediators of cell fate, and are comprised of 4 members in mammals (Notch1 to Notch4). Following intra cellular processing of the full-length protein, Notch is expressed at the cell surface as a heterodimeric receptor. Engagement by ligand results in a 2-step cleavage of the Notch heterodimer, releasing the intracellular domain of Notch and allowing translocation to the nucleus. The intracellular domain of Notch interacts with the DNA-binding factor, CSL, resulting in transactivation at various promoters, in particular those of various basic helix-loop-helix factors of the HES (Hairy and Enhancer of Split) and HRT families (Hairy-Related Transcription factor). Recent findings implicate Notch as playing a critical and non-redundant role in vascular development and maintenance. This article briefly reviews vessel development and Notch signaling and highlights studies that examine Notch functions such as proliferation, cell survival, migration, adhesion, and mesenchymal transformation in the vasculature. Human diseases caused by Notch pathway members are also discussed.