关键词: 昆虫, Notch信号通路, 转录因子, 发育调控, 细胞增殖, 细胞周期

Abstract: Composed of the Notch receptor, the Notch ligand (DSL protein), the CSL ［C promoter binding factor-1 (CBF1), Suppressor of hairless (Su(H)), Lag-1］ transcription factors, other effectors, and the regulatory molecules of Notch, Notch signaling pathway plays a fundamental role in the development of tissues in animals and the decision of cell fate in organs. Since its discovery in Drosophilia in 1917, the research on Notch signaling pathway based on insects has been very active, and it has been proved that it mainly plays fundamental roles in embryo and organ development regulation, cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation in insects. Notch gene locus mutation can lead to embryonic death and wing loss in Drosophila. The expression of intracellular domain of Notch (NICD) can affect the development of follicular cells in the ovary of Drosophila, cockroaches and other insects. Delta mediates the formation of body segments and the normal development of nervous system in insects. Su(H) mainly affects the cell cycle process of insect cells in the form of transcription factors. Fringe plays a key role in the development of wings of such insects as Drosophila and Bombyx mori. In addition, Notch signaling pathway interacts with Hippo signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and EGFR signaling pathway, indicating that Notch signaling pathway is not a single line form but a complex network structure involved in insect life process. In recent years, the research on Notch signaling pathway has been extended from insects to major human diseases, oncology medicine and molecular therapy. In view of the highly conservative nature of Notch signaling pathway, the research results of Notch signaling pathway in insects not only play a key role in exploring the developmental mechanism of insects, but also provide important references and new ideas for studying other animals and even human diseases.

Key words:  Insect, Notch signaling pathway, transcription factor, developmental regulation, cell proliferation, cell cycle