Implications for CNS repair of redox modulation of cell survival, division and differentiation

Studies on oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, and on the progenitor cells from which they are derived, have provided several novel insights into the role of intracellular redox state in cell function. A central unifying theme of this research is that redox state modulation lies at the heart of understanding cell-intrinsic aspects of precursor cell function, responsiveness of precursor cells to cell-extrinsic signals and even the means by which cell-extrinsic signaling molecules alter cellular function. This review discusses our studies on the role in redox state as a critical modulator of cellular function, and considers the implications of these findings for optimizing tissue repair.