Signals transduced by Notch receptors are indispensable for T cell specification and differentiation of alphabeta T lineage cells. However, the role of Notch signals during alphabeta versus gammadelta T lineage decision remains controversial. Here, we addressed this question by employing a clonal analysis of CD4(-)CD8(-) (DN) progenitor potential to position the divergence of alphabeta and gammadelta T cell lineages to the late DN2 to DN3 developmental stages. Accordingly, alphabeta and gammadelta precursor frequencies within these T cell progenitor subsets were determined, both in the presence and absence of Notch signaling through Delta-like 1. Notch signals were found to be critical for the DN to CD4(+)CD8(+) (DP) transition, irrespective of the identity (pTalphabeta or gammadelta) of the inducing T cell receptor complex, whereas gammadelta T cells developed from gammadeltaTCR-expressing T cell progenitors in the absence of further Notch ligand interaction. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a differential, stage-specific requirement for Notch receptor-ligand interactions in the differentiation of alphabeta and gammadelta T cells from T cell progenitors.

Double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) trigger p53-mediated cell cycle arrest or apoptosis pathways that limit the oncogenic consequences of exposure to genotoxic agents, but p53-mediated responses to DSB generated by normal physiologic events have not been documented.

The developmental progression of immature thymocytes requires cooperative input from several pathways, with Notch signals playing an indispensable role at the T-cell receptor (TCR)–β selection checkpoint. Notch signals affect the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is required for pTα/TCRβ (pre-TCR)–induced survival, differentiation, and proliferation of developing αβ-lineage thymocytes. However, the molecular players responsible for the interaction between the Notch and PI3K pathways at this critical developmental stage are unknown. Here, we show that Notch induction of Hes1 is necessary to repress the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog), which in turn facilitates pre-TCR–induced differentiation. In support of this mechanism, deletion or down-regulation of Pten overcomes the Notch signaling requirement for survival and differentiation during β-selection. In addition, c-Myc is a critical target of Notch at this stage, as c-Myc expression overcomes the Notch signaling requirement for proliferation during β-selection. Collectively, our results point to HES1, via repression of PTEN, and c-Myc as critical mediators of Notch function at the β-selection checkpoint.

Previous studies of fluorescence probes for labeling the monomeric actin pool have demonstrated lack of specificity. We have used quantitative analytical methods to assess the sensitivity and specificity of rhodamine DNAse I as a probe for monomeric (G) actin. The G-actin pool of attached or suspended fibroblasts was stabilized by ice-cold glycerol and MgC12. Formaldehyde fiition was used to clamp the Ciamentous (F) actin pool. G-and Pactins were stained by rhodamine DNAse I and FITC-phalloidin, respectively. Confocal microscopy indicated that the G-and F-actins were spatially separate in substrate-attached cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence spectrophotometry demonstrated low co-labeling of the separate actin pools, although measure-