Abstract: Notch signaling widely exists in many kinds of animal cells, and it is important to regulate cell proliferation,survival, differentiation and apoptosis. As both its receptor and ligand are trans-membrane proteins, Notch signaling is significant in mediating communication between cells. The chondrogenic development and differentiation start from the agglutination of ectomesenchymal cells. Notch family expresses diversely in the formation of cartilages, regulating them depending on time and space. In this paper, the composition, distribution and transduction mechanisms of Notch signaling and its effects on chondrogenic development and differentiation were reviewed.

Key words: Notch signaling, Cartilage, Development, Differentiation