Light-induced Notch activity controls neurogenic and gliogenic potential of neural progenitors

Oscillations in Notch signaling are essential for reserving neural progenitors for cellular diversity in developing brains. Thus, steady and prolonged overactivation of Notch signaling is not suitable for generating neurons. To acquire greater temporal control of Notch activity and mimic endogenous oscillating signals, here we adopted a light-inducible transgene system to induce active form of Notch NICD in neural progenitors. Alternating Notch activity saved more progenitors that are prone to produce neurons creating larger number of mixed clones with neurons and progenitors in vitro, compared to groups with no light or continuous light stimulus. Furthermore, more upper layer neurons and astrocytes arose upon intermittent Notch activity, indicating that dynamic Notch activity maintains neural progeny and fine-tune neuron-glia diversity. •Light-switchable transgene system allows spatiotemporal control of Notch activity.•Intermittent Notch activity changes neurogenic potential of neural progenitors.•Transient but not persistent Notch activity efficiently expands neural progeny and then neurons.