Multifaceted conserved functions of Notch during post-embryonic neurogenesis in the annelid Platynereis - EMBO Reports

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway known to orchestrate neurogenesis by regulating the transition from progenitors to neurons and glia, and by directing neurite outgrowth and axon guidance in many species. Although extensively studied in vertebrates and ecdysozoans, the role of Notch in spiralians remains unexplored, limiting our understanding of its conserved functions across bilaterians. Here we focus on the segmented annelid Platynereis dumerilii, a model organism in neurobiology and regeneration, to investigate Notch signaling functions during post-embryonic developmental processes. We show that Notch pathway components are expressed in neurogenic territories during both posterior elongation and regeneration, two processes requiring sustained neurogenesis. Through chemical inhibitions of the pathway and RNA-seq profiling, we find that Notch signaling regulates neural progenitor specification, differentiation, and overall neurogenic balance in the regenerating and elongating posterior part. Disruption of Notch signaling activity leads to severe defects in pygidial and central nervous system organization. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis that Notch has multifaceted conserved functions in neurogenesis across bilaterians, shedding light on the ancestral functions of this critical pathway.