JAG1-Mediated Notch Signaling Regulates Secretory Cell Differentiation of the Human Airway Epithelium

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) inhibits milk production efficiency in mammals

Efficient milk production in mammals confers evolutionary advantages by facilitating the transmission of energy from mother to offspring. However, the regulatory mechanism responsible for the gradual establishment of milk production efficiency in mammals, from marsupials to eutherians, remains elusive. Here, we find that mammary gland of the marsupial sugar glider contained milk components during adolescence, and that mammary gland development is less dynamically cyclic compared to that in placental mammals. Furthermore, fused in sarcoma (FUS) is found to be partially responsible for this establishment of low efficiency. In mouse model, FUS inhibit mammary epithelial cell differentiation through the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57Kip2, leading to lactation failure and pup starvation. Clinically, FUS levels are negatively correlated with milk production in lactating women. Overall, our results shed light on FUS as a negative regulator of milk production, providing a potential mechanism for the establishment of milk production from marsupial to eutherian mammals.

Transcriptional Regulation of Airway Epithelial Cell Differentiation: Insights into the Notch Pathway and Beyond

The airway epithelium is a critical component of the respiratory system, serving as a barrier against inhaled pathogens and toxins. It is composed of various cell types, each with specific functions essential to proper airway function. Chronic respiratory diseases can disrupt the cellular composition of the airway epithelium, leading to a decrease in multiciliated cells (MCCs) and an increase in secretory cells (SCs). Basal cells (BCs) have been identified as the primary stem cells in the airway epithelium, capable of self-renewal and differentiation into MCCs and SCs. This review emphasizes the role of transcription factors in the differentiation process from BCs to MCCs and SCs. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) techniques have provided insights into the cellular composition of the airway epithelium, revealing specialized and rare cell types, including neuroendocrine cells, tuft cells, and ionocytes. Understanding the cellular composition and differentiation processes within the airway epithelium is crucial for developing targeted therapies for respiratory diseases. Additionally, the maintenance of BC populations and the involvement of Notch signaling in BC self-renewal and differentiation are discussed. Further research in these areas could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying airway epithelial homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.

TMEM16A/F support exocytosis but do not inhibit Notch-mediated goblet cell metaplasia of BCi-NS1.1 human airway epithelium

Cl^- channels such as the Ca²⁺ activated Cl^- channel TMEM16A and the Cl^- permeable phospholipid scramblase TMEM16F may affect the intracellular Cl^- concentration ([Cl^-]_i), which could act as an intracellular signal. Loss of airway expression of TMEM16A induced a massive expansion of the secretory cell population like goblet and club cells, causing differentiation into a secretory airway epithelium. Knockout of the Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel TMEM16A or the phospholipid scramblase TMEM16F leads to mucus accumulation in intestinal goblet cells and airway secretory cells. We show that both TMEM16A and TMEM16F support exocytosis and release of exocytic vesicles, respectively. Lack of TMEM16A/F expression therefore causes inhibition of mucus secretion and leads to goblet cell metaplasia. The human basal epithelial cell line BCi-NS1.1 forms a highly differentiated mucociliated airway epithelium when grown in PneumaCult™ media under an air liquid interface. The present data suggest that mucociliary differentiation requires activation of Notch signaling, but not the function of TMEM16A. Taken together, TMEM16A/F are important for exocytosis, mucus secretion and formation of extracellular vesicles (exosomes or ectosomes) but the present data do no not support a functional role of TMEM16A/F in Notch-mediated differentiation of BCi-NS1.1 cells towards a secretory epithelium.

The Isolation and In Vitro Differentiation of Primary Fetal Baboon Tracheal Epithelial Cells for the Study of SARS-CoV-2 Host-Virus Interactions

The mucociliary airway epithelium lines the human airways and is the primary site of host-environmental interactions in the lung. Following virus infection, airway epithelial cells initiate an innate immune response to suppress virus replication. Therefore, defining the virus-host interactions of the mucociliary airway epithelium is critical for understanding the mechanisms that regulate virus infection, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Non-human primates (NHP) are closely related to humans and provide a model to study human disease. However, ethical considerations and high costs can restrict the use of in vivo NHP models. Therefore, there is a need to develop in vitro NHP models of human respiratory virus infection that would allow for rapidly characterizing virus tropism and the suitability of specific NHP species to model human infection. Using the olive baboon (Papio anubis), we have developed methodologies for the isolation, in vitro expansion, cryopreservation, and mucociliary differentiation of primary fetal baboon tracheal epithelial cells (FBTECs). Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vitro differentiated FBTECs are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and produce a potent host innate-immune response. In summary, we have developed an in vitro NHP model that provides a platform for the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other human respiratory viruses.

Assemblies of JAG1 and JAG2 determine tracheobronchial cell fate in mucosecretory lung disease

Mucosecretory lung disease compromises airway epithelial function and is characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia and ciliated cell hypoplasia. Goblet and ciliated cell types are derived from tracheobronchial stem/progenitor cells via a Notch-dependent mechanism. Although specific arrays of Notch receptors regulate cell fate determination, the function of the ligands Jagged1 (JAG1) and JAG2 is unclear. This study examined JAG1 and JAG2 function using human air-liquid-interface cultures that were treated with γ-secretase complex (GSC) inhibitors, neutralizing peptides/antibodies, or WNT/β-catenin pathway antagonists/agonists. These experiments revealed that JAG1 and JAG2 regulated cell fate determination in the tracheobronchial epithelium; however, their roles did not adhere to simple necessity and sufficiency rules. Biochemical studies indicated that JAG1 and JAG2 underwent posttranslational modifications that resulted in generation of a JAG1 C-terminal peptide and regulated the abundance of full-length JAG2 on the cell surface. GSC and glycogen synthase kinase 3 were implicated in these posttranslational events, but WNT agonist/antagonist studies and RNA-Seq indicated a WNT-independent mechanism. Collectively, these data suggest that posttranslational modifications create distinct assemblies of JAG1 and JAG2, which regulate Notch signal strength and determine the fate of tracheobronchial stem/progenitor cells.

The NOTCH3 Downstream Target HEYL Is Required for Efficient Human Airway Basal Cell Differentiation

Basal cells (BCs) are stem/progenitor cells of the mucociliary airway epithelium, and their differentiation is orchestrated by the NOTCH signaling pathway. NOTCH3 receptor signaling regulates BC to club cell differentiation; however, the downstream responses that regulate this process are unknown. Overexpression of the active NOTCH3 intracellular domain (NICD3) in primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) on in vitro air–liquid interface culture promoted club cell differentiation. Bulk RNA-seq analysis identified 692 NICD3-responsive genes, including the classical NOTCH target HEYL, which increased in response to NICD3 and positively correlated with SCGB1A1 (club cell marker) expression. siRNA knockdown of HEYL decreased tight junction formation and cell proliferation. Further, HEYL knockdown reduced club, goblet and ciliated cell differentiation. In addition, we observed decreased expression of HEYL in HBECs from donors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) vs. normal donors which correlates with the impaired differentiation capacity of COPD cells. Finally, overexpression of HEYL in COPD HBECs promoted differentiation into club, goblet and ciliated cells, suggesting the impaired capacity of COPD cells to generate a normal airway epithelium is a reversible phenotype that can be regulated by HEYL. Overall, our data identify the NOTCH3 downstream target HEYL as a key regulator of airway epithelial differentiation.

Autophagy of mucin granules contributes to resolution of airway mucous metaplasia

Exacerbations of muco-obstructive airway diseases such as COPD and asthma are associated with epithelial changes termed mucous metaplasia (MM). Many molecular pathways triggering MM have been identified; however, the factors that regulate resolution are less well understood. We hypothesized that the autophagy pathway is required for resolution of MM by eliminating excess non-secreted intracellular mucin granules. We found increased intracellular levels of mucins Muc5ac and Muc5b in mice deficient in autophagy regulatory protein, Atg16L1, and that this difference was not due to defects in the known baseline or stimulated mucin secretion pathways. Instead, we found that, in mucous secretory cells, Lc3/Lamp1 vesicles colocalized with mucin granules particularly adjacent to the nucleus, suggesting that some granules were being eliminated in the autophagy pathway rather than secreted. Using a mouse model of MM resolution, we found increased lysosomal proteolytic activity that peaked in the days after mucin production began to decline. In purified lysosomal fractions, Atg16L1-deficient mice had reduced proteolytic degradation of Lc3 and Sqstm1 and persistent accumulation of mucin granules associated with impaired resolution of mucous metaplasia. In normal and COPD derived human airway epithelial cells (AECs), activation of autophagy by mTOR inhibition led to a reduction of intracellular mucin granules in AECs. Our findings indicate that during peak and resolution phases of MM, autophagy activity rather than secretion is required for elimination of some remaining mucin granules. Manipulation of autophagy activation offers a therapeutic target to speed resolution of MM in airway disease exacerbations.

Notch Signaling between Cerebellar Granule Cell Progenitors

Cerebellar granule cells (GCs) are cells which comprise over 50% of the neurons in the entire nervous system. GCs enable the cerebellum to properly regulate motor coordination, learning, and consolidation, in addition to cognition, emotion and language. During GC development, maternal GC progenitors (GCPs) divide to produce not only postmitotic GCs but also sister GCPs. However, the molecular machinery for regulating the proportional production of distinct sister cell types from seemingly uniform GCPs is not yet fully understood. Here we report that Notch signaling creates a distinction between GCPs and leads to their proportional differentiation in mice. Among Notch-related molecules, Notch1, Notch2, Jag1, and Hes1 are prominently expressed in GCPs. In vivo monitoring of Hes1-promoter activities showed the presence of two types of GCPs, Notch-signaling ON and OFF, in the external granule layer (EGL). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and in silico analyses indicate that ON-GCPs have more proliferative and immature properties, while OFF-GCPs have opposite characteristics. Overexpression as well as knock-down (KD) experiments using in vivo electroporation showed that NOTCH2 and HES1 are involved cell-autonomously to suppress GCP differentiation by inhibiting NEUROD1 expression. In contrast, JAG1-expressing cells non-autonomously upregulated Notch signaling activities via NOTCH2-HES1 in surrounding GCPs, eventually suppressing their differentiation. These findings suggest that Notch signaling results in the proportional generation of two types of cells, immature and differentiating GCPs, which contributes to the well-organized differentiation of GCs.

Cigarette Smoke Activates NOTCH3 to Promote Goblet Cell Differentiation in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Increased numbers of mucus-producing secretory ("goblet") cells, defined as goblet cell metaplasia or hyperplasia (GCMH), contributes significantly to COPD pathophysiology. The objective of this study was to determine whether NOTCH signaling regulates goblet cell differentiation in response to cigarette smoke. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from nonsmokers and smokers with COPD were differentiated in vitro on air-liquid interface and exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 7 days. NOTCH signaling activity was modulated using 1) the NOTCH/γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ), 2) lentiviral overexpression of the NICD3 (NOTCH3-intracellular domain), or 3) NOTCH3-specific siRNA. Cell differentiation and response to CSE were evaluated by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and RNA sequencing. We found that CSE exposure of nonsmoker airway epithelium induced goblet cell differentiation characteristic of GCMH. Treatment with DBZ suppressed CSE-dependent induction of goblet cell differentiation. Furthermore, CSE induced NOTCH3 activation, as revealed by increased NOTCH3 nuclear localization and elevated NICD3 protein levels. Overexpression of NICD3 increased the expression of goblet cell-associated genes SPDEF and MUC5AC, whereas NOTCH3 knockdown suppressed CSE-mediated induction of SPDEF and MUC5AC. Finally, CSE exposure of COPD airway epithelium induced goblet cell differentiation in a NOTCH3-dependent manner. These results identify NOTCH3 activation as one of the important mechanisms by which cigarette smoke induces goblet cell differentiation, thus providing a novel potential strategy to control GCMH-related pathologies in smokers and patients with COPD.

Notch Signaling Pathway in Cancer-Review with Bioinformatic Analysis

Simple Summary

The Notch signaling pathway, which controls multiple cell differentiation processes during the embryonic stage and adult life, is associated with carcinogenesis and disease progression. The aim of the present study was to highlight cancer heterogeneity with respect to the Notch pathway. Our analysis concerns the effects of the Notch signaling at different levels, including core components and downstream target genes. We also demonstrate overall and disease-free survival results, pointing out the characteristics of particular Notch components. Depending on tissue context, Notch members can be either oncogenic or suppressive. We observed different expression profile core components and target genes that could be associated with distinct survival of patients. Advances in our understanding of the Notch signaling in cancer are very promising for the development of new treatment strategies for the benefit of patients.

Abstract

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway regulating normal embryonic development and homeostasis in a wide variety of tissues. It is also critically involved in carcinogenesis, as well as cancer progression. Activation of the Notch pathway members can be either oncogenic or suppressive, depending on tissue context. The present study is a comprehensive overview, extended with a bioinformatics analysis of TCGA cohorts, including breast, bladder, cervical, colon, kidney, lung, ovary, prostate and rectum carcinomas. We performed global expression profiling of the Notch pathway core components and downstream targets. For this purpose, we implemented the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection algorithm to reduce the dimensions. Furthermore, we determined the optimal cutpoint using Evaluate Cutpoint software to established disease-free and overall survival with respect to particular Notch members. Our results demonstrated separation between tumors and their corresponding normal tissue, as well as between tumors in general. The differentiation of the Notch pathway, at its various stages, in terms of expression and survival resulted in distinct profiles of biological processes such as proliferation, adhesion, apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, whether oncogenic or suppressive, Notch signaling is proven to be associated with various types of malignancies, and thus may be of interest as a potential therapeutic target.

TMEM16A Mediates Mucus Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

TMEM16A is a Ca²⁺-activated chloride channel that was shown to enhance production and secretion of mucus in inflamed airways. It is, however, not clear whether TMEM16A directly supports mucus production, or whether mucin and TMEM16A are upregulated independently during inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF). We examined this question using BCi-NS1 cells, a human airway basal cell line that maintains multipotent differentiation capacity, and the two human airway epithelial cell lines, Calu-3 and CFBE. The data demonstrate that exposure of airway epithelial cells to IL-8 and IL-13, two cytokines known to be enhanced in CF and asthma, respectively, leads to an increase in mucus production. Expression of MUC5AC was fully dependent on expression of TMEM16A, as shown by siRNA knockdown of TMEM16A. In addition, different inhibitors of TMEM16A attenuated IL-13-induced mucus production. Interestingly, in CFBE cells expressing F508 delCFTR, IL-13 was unable to upregulate membrane expression of TMEM16A or Ca²⁺-activated whole cell currents. The regulator of TMEM16A, CLCA1, strongly augmented both Ca²⁺- and cAMP-activated Cl^- currents in cells expressing wtCFTR but failed to augment membrane expression of TMEM16A in F508 delCFTR-expressing CFBE cells. The data confirm the functional relationship between CFTR and TMEM16A and suggest an impaired upregulation of TMEM16A by IL-13 or CLCA1 in cells expressing the most frequent CF-causing mutation F508 delCFTR.

Spinal cord extracts from injured spinal cord impede differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells into neurons through regulating Notch signaling pathway

SCI (spinal cord injury) is a complex and serious neurological disease with no efficient treatment. NSC (neural stem cells) have the potential for self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation into all types of nerve cells. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of SCE (spinal cord extracts) from injured spinal cord on the differentiation of rat embryonic NSC and to clarify its potential mechanism. Here, NSC were isolated and cultured with SCE. The experiments were divided into four groups, including NSC + sham, NSC + SCE, NSC + SCE + DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), NSC + SCE + DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-Phenyl-glycinet-butylester). The Notch1 (notch receptor 1) and Hes1 (hes family bHLH transcription factor 1) mRNA expression was analyzed by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) analysis. The protein expression levels of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and NSE (nestin) were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Cell differentiation of NSC was induced by using neurobasal medium. The results showed that the NSC were successfully identified, and could proliferate to form spherical aggregates and was passaged continuously and steadily in vitro. The NSC at fifth generation were positively stained with NSE, and was capable of differentiating into NSE-positive cells and GFAP-positive cells. SCE treatment could upregulate the mRNA expression levels of Notch1 and Hes1, but inhibited the differentiation of NSC into neurons. DAPT could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 in NSC. Mechanically, DAPT targeting Notch signal pathway could facilitate NSC differentiation into neurons. Together, our data highlighted that SCE suppresses the differentiation of rat embryonic NSC by regulating the Notch signaling pathway, and DAPT treatment can reverse the effect of SCE related differentiation.

Multi-Faceted Notch in Allergic Airway Inflammation

Notch is an evolutionarily conserved signaling family which iteratively exerts pleiotropic functions in cell fate decisions and various physiological processes, not only during embryonic development but also throughout adult life. In the context of the respiratory system, Notch has been shown to regulate ciliated versus secretory lineage differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells and coordinate morphogenesis of the developing lung. Reminiscent of its role in development, the Notch signaling pathway also plays a role in repair of lung injuries by regulation of stem cell activity, cell differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition to functions in embryonic development, cell and tissue renewal and various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, Notch signaling has been demonstrated to regulate differentiation of literally almost all T-cell subsets, and impact on elicitation of inflammatory response and its outcome. We have investigated the role of Notch in allergic airway inflammation in both acute and chronic settings. In this mini-review, we will summarize our own work and recent advances on the role of Notch signaling in allergic airway inflammation, and discuss potential applications of the Notch signaling family in therapy for allergic airway diseases.

Downregulation of Notch Signaling in Kras-Induced Gastric Metaplasia

Activating mutations and amplification of Kras and, more frequently, signatures for Kras activation are noted in stomach cancer. Expression of mutant Kras^G12D in the mouse gastric mucosa has been shown to induce hyperplasia and metaplasia. However, the mechanisms by which Kras activation leads to gastric metaplasia are not fully understood. Here we report that Kras^LSL-G12D/+;Pdx1-cre, a mouse model known for pancreatic cancer, also mediates Kras^G12D expression in the stomach, causing gastric hyperplasia and metaplasia prior to the pathologic changes in the pancreas. These mice exhibit ectopic cell proliferation at the base of gastric glands, whereas wild-type mice contain proliferating cells primarily at the isthmus/neck of the gastric glands. Notch signaling is decreased in the Kras^LSL-G12D/+;Pdx1-cre gastric mucosa, as shown by lower levels of cleaved Notch intracellular domains and downregulation of Notch downstream target genes. Expression of a Notch ligand Jagged1 is downregulated at the base of the mutant gland, accompanied by loss of chief cell marker Mist1. We demonstrate that exogenous Jagged1 or overexpression of Notch intracellular domain stimulates Mist1 expression in gastric cancer cell lines, suggesting positive regulation of Mist1 by Notch signaling. Finally, deletion of Jagged1 or Notch3 in Kras^LSL-G12D/+;Pdx1-cre mice promoted development of squamous cell carcinoma in the forestomach, albeit short of invasive adenocarcinoma in the glandular stomach. Taken together, these results reveal downregulation of Notch signaling and Mist1 expression during the initiation of Kras-driven gastric tumorigenesis and suggest a tumor-suppressive role for Notch in this context.

NOTCH3 contributes to rhinovirus-induced goblet cell hyperplasia in COPD airway epithelial cells

RATIONALE

Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) is one of the cardinal features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to airways obstruction. Rhinovirus (RV), which causes acute exacerbations in patients with COPD, also causes prolonged airways obstruction. Previously, we showed that RV enhances mucin gene expression and increases goblet cell number in a COPD mouse model. This study examines whether RV causes sustained GCH in relevant models of COPD.

METHODS

Mucociliary-differentiated COPD and normal airway epithelial cell cultures and mice with normal or COPD phenotype were infected with RV or sham and examined for GCH by immunofluorescence and/or mucin gene expression. In some experiments, RV-infected COPD cells and mice with COPD phenotype were treated with γ-secretase inhibitor or interleukin-13 neutralising antibody and assessed for GCH. To determine the contribution of NOTCH1/3 in RV-induced GCH, COPD cells transduced with NOTCH1/3 shRNA were used.

RESULTS

RV-infected COPD, but not normal cell cultures, showed sustained GCH and increased mucin genes expression. Microarray analysis indicated increased expression of NOTCH1, NOTCH3 and HEY1 only in RV-infected COPD cells. Blocking NOTCH3, but not NOTCH1, attenuated RV-induced GCH in vitro. Inhibition of NOTCH signalling by γ-secretase inhibitor, but not neutralising antibody to IL-13, abrogated RV-induced GCH and mucin gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

RV induces sustained GCH via NOTCH3 particularly in COPD cells or mice with COPD phenotype. This may be one of the mechanisms that may contribute to RV-induced prolonged airways obstruction in COPD.

The Notch pathway inhibitor stapled α-helical peptide derived from mastermind-like 1 (SAHM1) abrogates the hallmarks of allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

The Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation. Targeting the active Notch transactivation complex by using the cell-permeable, hydrocarbon-stapled synthetic peptide stapled α-helical peptide derived from mastermind-like 1 (SAHM1) resulted in genome-wide suppression of Notch-activated genes in leukemic cells and other models. However, the efficacy of SAHM1 in allergic asthma models has remained unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of SAHM1 in a house dust mite (HDM)-driven asthma model.

METHODS

Topical therapeutic intervention with SAHM1 or a control peptide was performed during sensitization, challenge, or both with HDM in mice. Airway inflammation was assessed by using multicolor flow cytometry, and bronchial hyperreactivity was studied. Additionally, SAHM1 therapy was investigated in mice with established allergic airway inflammation and in a model in which we neutralized IFN-γ during HDM challenge to support the T_H2 response and exacerbate asthma.

RESULTS

SAHM1 treatment during the challenge phase led to a marked reduction of eosinophil and T cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with those in diluent-treated or control peptide-treated mice. Likewise, T-cell cytokine content and bronchial hyperreactivity were reduced. SAHM1 treatment dampened T_H2 inflammation during ongoing HDM challenge and enhanced recovery after established asthma. Additionally, in the presence of anti-IFN-γ antibodies, SAHM1 downregulated expression of the key T_H2 transcription factor GATA3 and intracellular IL-4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid T cells, but expression of the T_H17 transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt or intracellular IL-17 was not affected. SAHM1 therapy also reduced serum IgE levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic intervention of Notch signaling by SAHM1 inhibits allergic airway inflammation in mice and is therefore an interesting new topical treatment opportunity in asthmatic patients.

Notch Signaling: Linking Embryonic Lung Development and Asthmatic Airway Remodeling

Lung development is mediated by assorted signaling proteins and orchestrated by complex mesenchymal-epithelial interactions. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell-cell communication mechanism that exhibits a pivotal role in lung development. Notably, both aberrant expression and loss of regulation of Notch signaling are critically linked to the pathogenesis of various lung diseases, in particular, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and asthmatic airway remodeling; implying that precise regulation of intensity and duration of Notch signaling is imperative for appropriate lung development. Moreover, evidence suggests that Notch signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Herein, we summarized all-recent advances associated with the mechanistic role of Notch signaling in lung development, consequences of aberrant expression or deletion of Notch signaling in linking early-impaired lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling, and all recently investigated potential therapeutic strategies to treat asthmatic airway remodeling.