NOTCH3 is a neuronal cell fate regulating protein that initially functions as a receptor for the membrane bound ligands Jagged1, Jagged2 and Delta1. NOTCH3 gene functions operate via the intracellular domain of Notch3 (NICD) that forms a transcriptional activator complex with RBPJ/RBPSUH and activates genes of the enhancer of split locus which ultimately influences cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptotic programs. NOTCH3 is widely expressed in fetal and adult tissues. NOTCH3 protein begins as an inactive form in the endoplasmic reticulum that becomes processed to an active form in the plasma membrane. Functionally, NOTCH3 is cleaved by TACE to yield a membrane bound extracellular fragment called NEXT which is then cleaved by gamma-secretase to release the NICD intracellular peptide from the membrane, which then proceeds to be translocated to the nucleus for gene the gene activations. Mutations in NOTCH3 lead to cerebral arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy syndrome and myofibromatosis infantile 2 disorder, both seriously debilitating genetic diseases. Disease-causing mutations affect cysteine residues within epidermal growth factor-like repeat domains in the ectodermal domain of NOTCH3 (N3ECD). One of the main biochemical and histopathological hallmarks of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the accumulation of N3ECD at the cell surface of vascular smooth muscle cells which degenerate over the course of the disease.
Synonyms: Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3, Notch 3, Notch 3 extracellular truncation, Notch 3 intracellular domain, N3ECD Domain, Ectodermal N3ECD, N3ECD
Application: This Anti-NOTCH 3/N3ECD Antibody, clone 1E4 is validated for use in Western Blotting and Immunocytochemistry and Electron Microscopy for the detection of NOTCH 3/N3ECD.