Cytoskeletal protection: acting on notch to prevent neuronal dysfunction

Neurodegener Dis. 2014;13(2-3):93-5. doi: 10.1159/000354230. Epub 2013 Sep 4.

Abstract

Functional and structural plasticity is a fundamental property of the brain involving chemical, electrical, molecular and cellular responses and leading to reorganization of connections within a brain region and/or between brain regions. The Notch pathway has been recognized as one of the main contributors in regulating neural development and has been proposed as a key mediator in neuroplasticity. We supported this concept, demonstrating that Notch plays a role in determining the only possible 'cell fate' decisions in post-mitotic mature neurons: synaptic remodelling or neurite extension/retraction. We demonstrated that Notch pathway activation causes a decrease in neurite branching and a loss of varicosities, with consequent reduction in the release of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, in dysfunctional neurons that present Notch pathway hyper-activation, neuronal morphology was reverted by Notch-inhibiting agents. Potentially, a better understanding of the molecular events participating in neuroplasticity may provide relevant information for innovative therapeutic approaches in a variety of neurological disorders. Hence, we propose a Notch-signalling fine-tuned manipulation as a novel approach to modulate neuronal cytoskeleton plasticity in order to prevent dysfunctional structural plasticity in neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Notch