Non-overlapping functions for Notch1 and Notch3 during murine steady state thymic lymphopoiesis.

Notch1 signaling is absolutely essential for steady-state thymic lymphopoiesis, but the role of other Notch receptors, and their potential overlap with the function of Notch1, remains unclear. Here we show that like Notch1, Notch3 is differentially expressed by progenitor thymocytes, peaking at the DN3 progenitor stage. Using mice carrying a gene-trapped allele, we show that thymic cellularity is slightly reduced in the absence of Notch3, although progression through the defined sequence of TCR- development is normal, as are NKT and TCR cell production.

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Shi J, Fallahi M, Luo JL, Petrie HT