This book describes the Notch signaling pathway with a focus on molecular mechanisms. The Notch signaling pathway is a seemingly simple pathway that does not involve any second messenger. Upon ligand binding two consecutive proteolytic cleavages of the NOTCH receptor release the Notch intracellular domain from the membrane. The Notch intracellular domain migrates into the nucleus and activates gene expression.

Recently, new technologies allowed us to better understand this pivotal signaling cascade and revealed new regulatory mechanisms. The different chapters cover many aspects of the Notch signaling focusing on the mechanisms governing the receptor/ligand interaction as well as on the downstream intracellular signaling events. Aspects of both canonical and non-canonical signaling are discussed and the function of Notch signaling in physiological and pathological contexts are elucidated.

This book is not only intended for experts but it should also be a usefulresource for young, sprouting scientists or interested scientists from other research areas, who may use this book as a stimulating starting point for further discoveries and developments.

Introduction to Molecular Mechanisms in Notch Signal Transduction and Disease Pathogenesis

Structural insights into Notch receptor-ligand interactions
The Molecular Mechanism of Notch Activation
Regulation of Notch Function by O-Glycosylation
Modeling the Notch response
Endocytic trafficking of the Notch receptor
The Notch Interactome: complexity in signaling circuitry
Integration of Drosophila and Human Genetics to understand Notch signaling related diseases
Mechanisms of non-canonical signaling in health and disease: Diversity to take therapy up a Notch?
The Notch3 receptor and its intracellular signaling-dependent oncogenic mechanisms
Notch and neurogenesis
Notch and stem cells
Oscillatory control of Notch signaling in development
CSL-associated corepressor and coactivator complexes
Notch and senescence
Control of blood vessel formation by Notch signaling
Notch and T cell function - a complex tale
Notch in leukemia.