Notchless encodes a novel WD40-repeat-containing protein that modulates Notch signaling activity

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Signaling by Notch family receptors is involved in many cell‐fate decisions during development. Several modifiers of Notch activity have been identified, suggesting that regulation of Notch signaling is complex. In a genetic screen for modifiers of Notch activity, we identified a gene encoding a novel WD40‐repeat protein. The gene is called Notchless , because loss‐of‐function mutant alleles dominantly suppress the wing notching caused by certain Notch alleles. Reducing Notchless activity increases Notch activity. Overexpression of Notchless in Xenopus or Drosophila appears to have a dominant‐negative effect in that it also increases Notch activity. Biochemical studies show that Notchless binds to the cytoplasmic domain of Notch, suggesting that it serves as a direct regulator of Notch signaling activity.