Notch Oncoproteins depend on γ-secretase/presenilin activity for processing and function

During normal development Notch receptor signaling is important in regulating numerous cell fate decisions. Mutations that truncate the extracellular domain of Notch receptors can cause aberrant signaling and promote unregulated cell growth. We have examined two types of truncated Notch oncoproteins that arise from proviral insertion into the Notch4 gene (Notch4/int-3) or a chromosomal translocation involving the Notch1 gene (TAN-1). Both Notch4/int-3 and TAN-1 oncoproteins lack most or all of their ectodomain. Normal Notch signaling requires gamma-secretase/presenilin-mediated proteolytic processing, but whether Notch oncoproteins are also dependent on gamma-secretase/presenilin activity is not known. We demonstrate that Notch4/int-3-induced activation of the downstream transcription factor, CSL, is abrogated in cells deficient in presenilins or treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of gamma-secretase/presenilins. Furthermore, we find that both Notch4/int-3 and TAN-1 accumulate at the cell surface, where presenilin-dependent cleavage occurs, when gamma-secretase/presenilin activity is inhibited. gamma-Secretase/presenilin inhibition effectively blocks cellular responses to Notch4/int-3, but not TAN-1, apparently because some TAN-1 polypeptides lack transmembrane domains and do not require gamma-secretase/presenilin activity for nuclear access. These studies highlight potential uses and limitations of gamma-secretase/presenilin inhibitors in targeted therapy of Notch-related neoplasms.