Frontiers in Endocrinology (Aug 2011)

Estradiol meets Notch signaling in developing neurons

  • Maria-Angeles eArevalo,
  • Isabel eRuiz-Palmero,
  • Julia eSimon-Areces,
  • Estefania eAcaz-Fonseca,
  • Iñigo eAzcoitia,
  • Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2011.00021
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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The transmembrane receptor Notch, a master developmental regulator, controls gliogenesis, neurogenesis and neurite development in the nervous system. Estradiol, acting as a hormonal signal or as a neurosteroid, also regulates these developmental processes. Here we review recent evidence indicating that estradiol and Notch signaling interact in developing hippocampal neurons by a mechanism involving the putative membrane receptor G protein-coupled receptor 30. This interaction is relevant for the control of neuronal differentiation, since the downregulation of Notch signaling by estradiol results in the upregulation of neurogenin 3, which in turn promotes dendritogenesis.

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