Notch homolog 2 N-terminal-like protein B (NOTCH2NLB)

Human-specific protein that promotes neural progenitor proliferation and evolutionary expansion of the brain neocortex by regulating the Notch signaling pathway (PubMed:29856954, PubMed:29856955, PubMed:29561261). Able to promote neural progenitor self-renewal, maybe by down-regulating neuronal differentiation genes, thereby slowing the differentiation of neuronal progenitors and resulting in a general final increase in cerebral production (PubMed:29856954, PubMed:29856955).

Acts by boosting the Notch signaling pathway via two different mechanisms that likely work in parallel to reach the same effect (PubMed:29856954, PubMed:29856955). Enhances Notch signaling pathway at a non-cell-autonomous manner via direct interaction with NOTCH2 (PubMed:29856954).