DLL4
DLL4 (delta like canonical Notch ligand 4) is a cell-membrane Notch ligand that activates NOTCH1 and NOTCH4. It is involved in angiogenesis and in the development of the retina and spinal cord. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DLL4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DLL4 acts in the Notch signalling pathway as a Notch ligand. It activates the receptors NOTCH1 and NOTCH4. In angiogenesis, DLL4 negatively regulates endothelial cell proliferation and migration as well as angiogenic sprouting, which makes it a useful point of study for how vessel growth is restrained.
Beyond the vasculature, DLL4 has roles in neural development. It is essential for retinal progenitor proliferation, and it is required to suppress rod fates in late retinal progenitors and for the proper generation of other retinal cell types. During spinal cord neurogenesis, DLL4 inhibits V2a interneuron fate.
The DLL4 gene is a homolog of the Drosophila delta gene, and the delta gene family encodes Notch ligands characterised by a DSL domain, EGF repeats and a transmembrane domain. HGNC places it in the canonical Notch ligands group, and its previous names were delta-like 4 homolog (Drosophila) and delta-like 4 (Drosophila). The protein, also called delta-like protein 4, is located at the cell membrane. Mouse and rat both carry a Dll4 ortholog, so the gene can be studied in common rodent models.
DLL4 is a canonical Notch ligand that activates NOTCH1 and NOTCH4, so it is a core component for studying ligand-receptor signalling.
DLL4 negatively regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenic sprouting, placing it at the centre of vessel growth control.
DLL4 is essential for retinal progenitor proliferation and for suppressing rod fates in late progenitors.
During spinal cord neurogenesis DLL4 inhibits V2a interneuron fate, offering a route into neuronal fate specification.
DLL4 is a Notch ligand that activates NOTCH1 and NOTCH4. It negatively regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenic sprouting. It is also essential for retinal progenitor proliferation and inhibits V2a interneuron fate during spinal cord neurogenesis.
The HGNC full name is delta like canonical Notch ligand 4, and UniProt lists the protein as delta-like protein 4. Earlier names were delta-like 4 homolog (Drosophila) and delta-like 4 (Drosophila). No alternative gene symbols are recorded.
DLL4 is a homolog of the Drosophila delta gene, and mouse and rat each have a Dll4 ortholog. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other canonical Notch ligands that share the DSL domain and EGF repeat architecture of the delta family.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NR61; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.