Papel de la proteína DLK1/Pref-1 en los diferentes sistemas celulares
- Ricardo A. Puertas-Avendaño 1
- Luis G. Hernádez-Abad 1
- Ibrahim González-Marrero 1
- Ana Canerina-Amaro 1
- Raquel Marín 1
- Miriam González-Gómez 1
- 1 Universidad de La Laguna (ESP)
ISSN: 1697-5529
Year of publication: 2016
Issue: 12
Pages: 41-55
Type: Article
More publications in: Majorensis: Revista Electrónica de Ciencia y Tecnología
Abstract
The non-canonical (non-classical) ligand of the Notch signaling pathway, Delta like-1 (DLK1) is expressed throughout fetal development, and is limited to few organs or tissues in adulthood. Presently, DLK1 is the best studied non-classical ligand of Notch. In vitro, this gen acts inhibiting Notch whereas, in vivo, its action is unclear. The levels of DLK1 expression determine the course of cell differentiation and proliferation. In some tissues, such as the pituitary gland, DLK1 expression is required for the maintenance of the somatotropic (GH) cells population, and also for the homeostasis of the different adenohypophysial axes. Alterations in the Delta-Notch pathway have been associated with several pathophysiological processes such as, prolactinomas, hepatic carcinoma, and gastric cancer, among others. The studies discussed in this review tackle three important aspects of DLK1 regulation and function. First, that the mechanisms of signaling and/or regulation of Delta-Notch are crucial in the control of cell proliferation, and undifferentiated maintenance of stem cells. Secondly, that the paternal imprint of DLK1 is key to the compression of pathological processes and third, that there is a need for further in vivo studies on the expression of DLK1, in order to further clarify the role of this gene.