The role of Notch signaling in postnatal neovascularization [Elektronische Ressource] / von Merlin Airik

The role of Notch signaling in postnatal neovascularization Von der Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover zur Erlangung des Grades DOKTORIN DER NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN Dr. rer. nat. genehmigte Dissertation von M.Sc. Merlin Airik geboren am 25.04.1980 in Tölliste, Estland 20091 Referentin: Prof. Dr. Brigitte Schlegelberger Korreferentin: Prof. Dr. Rita Gerardy-Schahn Tag der Promotion: 26. Mai 2009 ABSTRACT Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling system that is required for normal embryonic development, the regulation of tissue homeostasis, and the maintenance of stem cells in adults. Growth of functional arteries is essential for the restoration of blood flow to ischemic organs. Previously it has been demonstrated that Notch signaling regulates arterial differentiation upstream of ephrin-B2 during embryonic development, however its role during postnatal arteriogenesis is unknown. In this study it was identified that the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (Dll1) is an essential regulator of postnatal arteriogenesis. Dll1 expression was specifically detected in arterial endothelial cells (ECs), but not in venous ECs or capillaries.