Notch信号是一进化上保守的细胞间信号转导通路,调控细胞的增生、分化组织构型等过程,在发育期间对细胞的生死起决定性作用。最近的研究显示,Notch信号通路在肾脏的发育中起重要的作用。肾组织一旦发育成熟,Notch信号通路即可失活。急性和慢性肾脏损伤均可诱导Notch信号通路活化;蛋白尿和肾小球硬化与该信号通路活化相关,不仅对肾脏的发育起至关重要的作用,而且通过影响纤维化过程,参与肾脏疾病的发生和发展。
Abstract:Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell-cell communication that regulates cell pro. liferation, differentiation, and tissue patterning. It functions as one of the major pathways that determine cell identity during development. Recent studies indicate that Notch plays an important role in orchestrating kid- ney development. Notch signaling is markedly inactivated in the adult kidney ; however, studies demonstrated increasing Notch signaling has been noted in both acute and chronic kidney injury. Notch signaling activation in glomerular podocyte has been associated with albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis,while tubular epithelial Notch activation causes fibrosis development, thus involved in the development of kidney diseases.