During the development of the inner ear, the Notch cell signaling pathway has an inductive function in defining the pro-sensory patches from which the differentiated cells arise and influence cell fate decisions. In addition, Notch signaling has a key role in controlling the pattern of sensory hair cells and supporting cells in the ear through lateral inhibition. Several Notch ligands are expressed in the ear, but their individual roles in relation to the two functions of Notch signaling are unclear. Combining and presenting all the Notch partners in a map may lead to new directions of research.
