Figure 5.

Activated Notch3 modulates cell shape and actin dynamics in cultured vSMC. (A,B) Cells expressing an activated Notch3 construct (N3ΔE) have a markedly different morphological appearance compared to GFP-expressing cells, being larger and having a less elongated shape. (C,D) N3ΔE cells exhibit a more robust actin stress fibers network compared to GFP cells. (E) The F:G actin ratio is increased in N3ΔE-expressing cells. ^*P < 0.05 compared with GFP cells. Results are mean ± SEM of three independent experiments performed in triplicate. (F,G) GFP cells are latrunculin B sensitive, with marked actin cytoskeleton disassembly, while N3ΔE cells have higher latrunculin B resistance. Bars: A,B, 135 μm; C,D,F,G, 69 μm.