An overview of the Notch signalling pathway

The Notch receptor plays a key role in modulating cell fate decisions throughout the development of invertebrate and vertebrate species. Four Notch homologues have been identified in the human genome and aberrant Notch function has been associated with a number of human diseases. An intriguing pathway of Notch signalling has been elucidated involving multiple proteolytic steps and this pathway offers several targets for potential therapeutic intervention. While a consensus model has emerged, in the details there is much that is contentious. This review will primarily focus on our current understanding of the proteolytic events involved in generating and regulating Notch signalling. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.