NOTCH

By Yoskaly Lazo-Fernandez, PhD

By Jacqueline Carrico, BS, MD Candidate

By Bethany Veo, PhD

Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA G) is a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that is primarily expressed in the placenta and is essential for the immune tolerance of the fetus during pregnancy. Unlike many HLA genes, HLA G has relatively few variants and is alternatively spliced into seven different isoforms. Of these isoforms four are membrane-bound while three are predicted to be soluble. Both the membrane-bound and soluble form of HLA G can induce immune tolerance by binding to inhibitory receptors on various immune cells including macrophages and monocytes.

We at Novus Biologicals are one of the leading antibody suppliers for cancer research. In a recent Notch antibody study, the Notch ligand Jagged 2 was found to promote the growth of metastatic lung cancer cells by inhibiting miR-200, which blocks epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) – an early stage in metastasis which, if blocked, can prevent secondary tumour growth.

The notch proteins are single-pass membrane receptors controlling a highly conserved signalling pathway. In vertebrates, the notch family comprises four transmembrane receptors encoded by four individual genes (NOTCH1 - 4). We at Novus Biologicals are leading NOTCH antibody suppliers, with an extensive range of NOTCH antibody products.