Summary
Cell-contact signalling that controls cell fate choices through lateral inhibition.
In depth
Delta on one cell binds Notch on a neighbour, causing cleavage and release of the intracellular domain to the nucleus. Lateral inhibition creates salt-and-pepper patterns, such as neuron selection. Mutations cause CADASIL and Alagille syndrome.
Notch signalling requires cell-cell contact because the ligand is membrane-bound. Binary fate decisions arise from lateral inhibition and feedback amplification.
Key idea: Notch lets neighbouring cells adopt different fates.
Notch is a transmembrane receptor activated by ligands (Delta, Jagged) on neighbouring cells. Binding triggers proteolytic cleavage; the Notch intracellular domain travels to the nucleus and works with transcription factors to turn genes on.
It works by lateral inhibition: a cell that becomes slightly more Delta-positive activates Notch in its neighbours, suppressing their Delta, so cells adopt different fates, such as neurons versus support cells, producing spaced patterns like bristles in flies. Notch also controls somite formation, vascular development and stem cell maintenance.
Example: mutations in NOTCH3 cause CADASIL, and in NOTCH1 leukaemia.
Key idea: signalling between neighbours creates pattern from nearly identical cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Notch Signalling?
Cell-contact signalling that controls cell fate choices through lateral inhibition.
Which area of biology covers Notch Signalling, and how advanced is it?
Notch Signalling is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Hedgehog Signalling, Cell Fate Determination, Wnt Signalling.
Can you give an example of Notch Signalling?
Notch activity helps set up the fly bristle pattern.
What should I learn before Notch Signalling?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Notch Signalling. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Notch Signalling?
The closest topics to Notch Signalling are Hedgehog Signalling, Cell Fate Determination, Wnt Signalling, BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Notch Signalling?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Notch Signalling. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Notch Signalling different from Hedgehog Signalling?
Notch Signalling: Cell-contact signalling that controls cell fate choices through lateral inhibition. Hedgehog Signalling: A morphogen pathway patterning the neural tube and limbs through Gli transcription factors. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Notch Signalling step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Hedgehog Signalling and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.