Notch signaling in reproduction.

The Notch signaling pathway is conserved among mammalian species and controls proliferation, differentiation, and cell death in many organs throughout the body including the reproductive tract. Notch signaling plays critical roles in the development and function of both the male and female reproductive systems. Specifically, within the female reproductive tract, Notch signaling is hormone regulated and mediates key reproductive events important for ovarian and uterine function. In this review, we highlight the tissues that express Notch receptors, ligands, and downstream effectors and distinguish how these molecules regulate reproductive function in male and female mice, non-human primates, and humans. Finally, we describe some of the aberrations in Notch signaling in female reproductive pathologies and identify opportunities for future investigation. The Notch signaling pathway is an important mediator of cell fate controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Notch signaling contributes to the reproductive function of the male and female reproductive organs. Notch signaling is hormonally regulated. The Notch signaling pathway is implicated in gynecological pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adenomyosis, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility, and endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]