Microtubule stabilizing effect of notch activation in primary cortical neurons

The appropriate level of microtubule stability is fundamental in neurons to assure correct polarity, migration, vesicles transport and to prevent axonal degeneration. In the present study, we have identified Notch pathway as an endogenous microtubule stabilizer. Stimulation of Notch receptors by exposure of mouse cortical neurons to the Notch ligand Jagged1 resulted in increased microtubule stability, as measured by using antibodies against post-translationally modified alpha tubulin, and changes in axonal morphology and branching, with varicosity loss, thicker neurites and enlarged growth cones. Similar effects were found after exposure of the cells to different doses of Taxol. However, contrary to Taxol, Jagged1 induced downregulation of the microtubule severing protein Spastin. We suggest that a fine-tuned manipulation of Notch signaling may represent a novel approach to modulate neuronal cytoskeleton plasticity.