Delta-like protein 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DLL1 gene.[5]
DLL1 is a human homolog of the Notch Delta ligand and is a member of the delta/serrate/jagged family. It plays a role in mediating cell fate decisions during hematopoiesis. It may play a role in cell-to-cell communication.[5]
DLL1 (Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 1) is a transmembrane protein that serves as a ligand in the Notch signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell fate determination during embryonic development. DLL1 is essential for the formation of somites, the segmented precursors to the vertebral column and skeletal muscles. In mouse models, the absence of DLL1 leads to disrupted somite formation and embryonic lethality, highlighting its vital role in mesodermal segmentation. [6] Beyond somitogenesis, DLL1-mediated Notch signaling is critical for establishing left–right asymmetry in the developing embryo by regulating the expression of the Nodal gene. Mutations in DLL1 can result in defects in this asymmetry, leading to congenital anomalies. Furthermore, DLL1 haploinsufficiency in humans has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including microcephaly and hydrocephalus, due to impaired Notch signaling during brain development. [7]
The multifaceted roles of DLL1 in embryonic development underscore its importance in proper organogenesis and highlight the consequences of its dysregulation in human disease.
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