Notch signaling in stem cell systems.

The Notch signaling pathway is among the most commonly used communication channels in animal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that this pathway is indispensable for cells in various stages of maturation, including terminal differentiation. One main focus in mammalian studies is the role of Notch in embryonic and postembryonic stem cell systems. In this review, the roles of Notch signaling in various mammalian stem and early progenitor cells are summarized.