Notch1 modulates timing of G₁-S progression by inducing SKP2 transcription and p27^Kip1 degradation

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) and Notch receptor activation have been shown to influence adult stem cells and progenitors by altering stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Yet, no interaction between these molecular pathways has been defined. Here we show that ligand-independent and ligand-dependent activation of Notch1 induces transcription of the S phase kinase–associated protein 2 (SKP2), the F-box subunit of the ubiquitin-ligase complex SCF^SKP2 that targets proteins for degradation. Up-regulation of SKP2 by Notch signaling enhances proteasome-mediated degradation of the CKIs, p27^Kip1 and p21^Cip1, and causes premature entry into S phase. Silencing of SKP2 by RNA interference in G₁ stabilizes p27^Kip1 and p21^Cip1 and abolishes Notch effect on G₁-S progression. Thus, SKP2 serves to link Notch1 activation with the cell cycle machinery. This novel pathway involving Notch/SKP2/CKIs connects a cell surface receptor with proximate mediators of cell cycle activity, and suggests a mechanism by which a known physiologic mediator of cell fate determination interfaces with cell cycle control.