DLL4, Human

DLL4 is a type I membrane protein in the Delta/Serrate/Lag2 (DSL) family of Notch ligands. It activates NOTCH1 and NOTCH4, and plays a role in angiogenesis by negatively regulating endothelial cell proliferation and migration, as well as angiogenic sprouting. It is essential for retinal progenitor proliferation and is required for suppressing rod fates in late retinal progenitors, as well as for proper generation of other retinal cell types. Additionally, during spinal cord neurogenesis, it inhibits V2a interneuron fate.