2016 Group Project 2

2016 Student Projects
Signalling: 1 Wnt | 2 Notch | 3 FGF Receptor | 4 Hedgehog | 5 T-box | 6 TGF-Beta
2016 Group Project Topic - Signaling in Development OK you are now in a group, add a topic with your student signature to the group page.
This page is an undergraduate science embryology student project and may contain inaccuracies in either descriptions or acknowledgements.

Group Assessment Criteria
Science Student Projects The key points relating to the topic that your group allocated are clearly described. The choice of content, headings and sub-headings, diagrams, tables, graphs show a good understanding of the topic area. Content is correctly cited and referenced. The wiki has an element of teaching at a peer level using the student's own innovative diagrams, tables or figures and/or using interesting examples or explanations. Evidence of significant research relating to basic and applied sciences that goes beyond the formal teaching activities. Relates the topic and content of the Wiki entry to learning aims of embryology. Clearly reflects on editing/feedback from group peers and articulates how the Wiki could be improved (or not) based on peer comments/feedback. Demonstrates an ability to review own work when criticised in an open edited wiki format. Reflects on what was learned from the process of editing a peer's wiki. Evaluates own performance and that of group peers to give a rounded summary of this wiki process in terms of group effort and achievement. The content of the wiki should demonstrate to the reader that your group has researched adequately on this topic and covered the key areas necessary to inform your peers in their learning. Develops and edits the wiki entries in accordance with the above guidelines.
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Notch signalling pathway

Introduction

The Notch signalling pathway is critical for cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. It is involved in embryonic organ development through the regulation of cell-cell signalling; specifically lateral inhibition, formation of boundaries, and cell lineage assignation.

Overview of Molecular Mechanisms

Four NOTCH proteins are involved in the canonical pathway. NOTCH1 to NOTCH4 are single transmembrane receptors and can interact with a variety of ligands, including NOTCH ligands (e.g. Delta ligands) and Serrate ligands (e.g. Jagged 1 [JAG1] and Jagged 2 [JAG2]). The binding between the Notch receptor and the ligand on adjacent cell induces the release of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) via a sequence of proteolytic reactions. Cell-cell interaction is therefore critical in the process of triggering Notch signalling. The NICD enters the nucleus and interacts with the Suppressor of Hairless DNA-binding protein (Su(H)) to promote transcription of Notch target genes.

Abnormalities in Notch signalling

Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome (AGS) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder that mainly affects the liver, heart, and kidney. In 94% of clinically diagnosed cases, a mutation in the gene encoding the Notch ligand JAG1 has been identified as a contributing factor. In combination with this, a mutation in the NOTCH2 gene has also been implicated in the diagnosis of AGS.