Among γ-secretase substrates Notch1 alone is sufficient to block neurogenesis but does not confer self-renewal properties to neural stem cells

► We were able to examine the function of Notch alone by excluding the activity of other γ-secretase substrates. ► Despite the presence of NICD, the frequency of formation and size of neurospheres were greatly influenced by γ-secretase inhibitors. ► During differentiation, NICD alone can induce astrogliogenesis at the expense of neurogenesis without the action of the other γ-secretase substrates.