Notch study shows positive link between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health

The Notch signalling pathway is dependent upon four single-pass transmembrane receptors, Notch 1 to 4. Synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum, they are essential for cellular communication, interacting with a number of genes regulating cell function. We at Novus Biologicals have a large antibody database for the Notch receptors, with at least 65 antibodies, proteins and lysates.

Notch antibodies are used in a number of research areas, including neuronal development; cardiovascular function; gut secretion; bone development and the cytoskeleton. Faulty notch signalling is implicated in a number of diseases, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and other cancers. However, a recent signalling study revealed a hitherto unexpected use for Notch1 antibodies – unveiling the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the cardiovascular system.

The study, led by scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, was published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. Population studies had shown a clear link between moderate alcohol consumption and cardiac health, with the risk of death from cardiovascular disease 20% to 40% lower in those who consumed one to three drinks a day, compared to those who drank rarely or not at all.

The study discovered that moderate consumption inhibited Notch1 expression, preventing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in arterial blood vessels, which causes narrowing of the arteries and can lead to heart attacks and stroke. The study, led by E. M Redmond, followed earlier research showing that Notch1 plays a key role in the death, migration and development of vascular smooth muscle cells – the latter two factors being important factors in atherosclerosis and related diseases.

In human and mouse coronary artery models, it was seen that regular, moderate volumes of alcohol reduced Notch expression and decreased smooth muscle growth, increasing the lumen of the arteries. Stimulation of the Notch pathway caused the opposite effect. In the human cells, the alcohol acted specifically on the Notch1 receptors. Notch1 antibodies will now be used to probe this effect in deeper detail. It is hoped our Notch1 antibody database will be used to develop new therapies that will mimic the alcohol effect.

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