NOTCH4

Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 4 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the NOTCH4 is_associated_with::gene.

Gene
An alternative splice variant has been described, but its biological nature has not been determined.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the Notch family. Members of this Type 1 is_associated_with::transmembrane protein family share structural characteristics. These include an extracellular domain consisting of multiple epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats, and an intracellular domain that consists of multiple, but different, domain types. Notch protein family members play a role in a variety of developmental processes by controlling cell fate decisions. The is_associated_with::Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway that regulates interactions between physically adjacent cells

In is_associated_with::Drosophilia, notch interacts with its cell-bound ligands (delta and serrate), and establishes an intercellular signaling pathway that then plays a key role in development. Homologues of the notch-ligands have also been identified in humans, but precise interactions between these ligands and the human notch homologues remain to be determined. The notch protein is cleaved in the trans-Golgi network, and then presented on the cell surface as a is_associated_with::heterodimer. The protein functions as a receptor for membrane bound ligands, and may play a role in vascular, renal, and hepatic development.

Clinical significance
The notch gene may be associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia in a small portion of cases.