Oligodendroglial cells and neurotrophins: a polyphonic cantata in major and minor

Oligodendrocytes met neurotrophins in the early 1990s of the last century. Since then, their relationship underwent functional ups and downs partially dependent on the developmental stage of the oligodendroglial cells and the species, from which the cells were derived. This review provides a brief overview of oligodendroglial cells and neurotrophins, characterizes neurotrophin signaling during oligodendroglial development, and discusses the significance of proneurotrophins and sortilin for oligodendroglial death and survival. Furthermore, data are provided that TrkA, the tyrosine kinase competent NGF receptor, is localized to caveolincontaining microdomains on the oligodendroglial plasma membrane; an interplay of caveolin and NGF signaling via TrkA might be of functional importance. Finally, experimental evidence of studies is presented which support the idea that neurotrophins are promising candidates for improving oligodendroglial regeneration and remyelination.