Novel factors regulating Notch signaling in Drosophila and mammalian cells.

Host: Professor Angus Lamond

Venue: MSI Small Lecture Theatre, SLS

Summary

The evolutionarily conserved Notch pathway controls cell–cell communication during development and in adult metazoans. It influences cell fate decisions, cell proliferation and cell differentiation, and contributes to the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis. Consequently, mis-regulation of the Notch pathway is associated with a wide range of diseases, including congenital disorders and cancers with little to no cure. Signaling by Notch receptors is regulated by a complex set of cellular processes that include maturation and trafficking to the plasma membrane, endosomal uptake and sorting, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation, as well as ligand-dependent and independent proteolytic cleavages. We have extensively studied regulation of Notch signaling by endo-lysosomal trafficking in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and in human cells. We have also recently investigated quantitively the production and degradation of Notch in human cells and performed an high content screen to identify new regulators of Notch trafficking. We will discuss published and unpublished data that identify new genes controlling Notch trafficking and signaling. These may be exploited to correct inappropriate signaling in disease.

https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/person/thomas-vaccari