[Oligodendrocytes: their embryonic origin, migration and therapeutic implications]

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells are generated within specific domains in the neural tube, and from there they migrate to their final destination. Once this is reached, they will differentiate into adult oligodendrocytes, which are the cells responsible for myelination in the central nervous system. The oligodendrocyte precursors conserve a certain capacity to proliferate and have an important capacity to migrate in response to specific signals. A number of different signals are involved in the migration of these cells, although they can be divided fundamentally into two groups: adhesion molecules and secretable molecules.

Data concerning the known effects of different molecules involved in the migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells were collected. It is also suggested that these molecules could be useful for developing new therapies to treat demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Knowledge of the signals that guide the migration of oligodendrocyte precursors during the development is a tool that would make it possible to direct the migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to demyelinating lesions and, once they are there, to get them to proliferate and myelinate the lesion.