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Synantocytes: the fifth element.

Arthur M Butt1, Niki Hamilton, Paul Hubbard

  • 1Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College, London, UK. arthur.butt@kcl.ac.uk

Journal of Anatomy
|December 22, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Researchers identified a new type of glial cell, synantocytes, in the central nervous system (CNS). These NG2-glia cells interact with neurons and other glia, potentially playing a key role in CNS communication and repair.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Glial Cell Research

Background:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) traditionally comprises neurons and three glial types: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia.
  • NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) expressing glia were primarily considered oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).
  • Recent findings challenge the sole classification of NG2-expressing glia as OPCs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a distinct population of NG2-expressing glia in the adult CNS.
  • To investigate the morphology, connectivity, and potential function of these novel glial cells.
  • To explore their role in neuronal-glial communication and CNS response mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and characterization of NG2-expressing glial cells.

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  • Morphological analysis of cell structure and process arborization.
  • Investigation of cellular interactions within the CNS microenvironment.
  • Analysis of cellular responses to neuronal activity indicators like glutamate and ATP.

    • Main Results:

    • A majority of adult CNS NG2-glia are identified as a distinct cell type named 'synantocytes'.
    • Synantocytes are stellate cells with extensive processes, contacting neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and myelin.
    • These cells are integral to the 'tetrapartite' synapse, receiving neuronal and glial signals.
    • Neuronal activity triggers intracellular calcium increases in synantocytes, suggesting a role in signal integration.

    Conclusions:

    • Synantocytes represent a potential fifth element in the CNS, distinct from previously known glia.
    • They may serve as a crucial pathway for integrative neuron-glial communication.
    • Synantocyte activation could influence glial scar formation, oligodendrocyte regeneration, and potentially neuronal repair.