NICD (Notch intracellular domain)

The Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is a part of a protein involved in cell communication, particularly in controlling how cells grow, develop, and differentiate. When a signaling molecule interacts with the Notch receptor on a cell's surface, it triggers the release of the NICD inside the cell. The NICD then travels into the nucleus—the cell's control center—where it influences gene activity, guiding the cell's behavior. This process is vital for proper development and tissue maintenance, and disruptions can lead to diseases like cancer.