Jagged-2
Jagged-2 is the second member of the Serrate/Jagged branch of Notch ligands and, unlike the broadly expressed Jagged-1, shows a more restricted pattern that includes thymic stroma and epithelial tissues. Containing the hallmark DSL and EGF-like repeat modules, it delivers membrane-tethered activation signals to Notch-1 and Notch-2 on neighboring cells. Mouse knockout studies established its requirement for T-cell development in the thymus, for palate fusion and for digit patterning, with Jagged-2 deficiency producing syndactyly and craniofacial anomalies. Elevated JAG2 expression has also been reported in several malignancies, where it promotes Notch-dependent survival of tumor cells.
