Unraveling notch signaling in reproductive biology

Studies over last years have consolidated a relevant role for Notch signaling in mammalian reproductive biology and in reproductive pathological scenarios. Notch genes are dynamically transcribed and Notch proteins dynamically expressed in the reproductive tract. Involvement in key reproductive events is mainly related with the regulation of the pace of cell proliferation and differentiation. Physiologically, this occurs in spermatogenesis, along the epithelial seminiferous cycle, during folliculogenesis and luteal development along the estrous/menstrual cycle, as well as during establishment of pregnancy and placentation. Aberrant Notch signaling has also been associated to genital tract disease, infertility and pregnancy failure. Although insights into the mechanistic action of Notch in these several scenarios have been highlighted, the overall picture of Notch is still fragmentary and elusive. Extensive research being presently conducted may reveal even novel and unsuspected branches into the still highly complex modes of action of this signaling pathway.