Notch homolog 2 N-terminal-like protein C (NOTCH2NLC)

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, possibly by down-regulating neuronal differentiation genes, thereby delaying the differentiation of neuronal progenitors and leading to an overall final increase in neuronal production (PubMed:29856954).

Acts by enhancing the Notch signaling pathway via two distinct mechanisms that likely work in parallel to reach the identical effect (PubMed:29856954). Enhances Notch signaling pathway in a non-cell-autonomous manner via direct interaction with NOTCH2 (PubMed:29856954).