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Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Oligodendrocyte Precursors
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Polydendrocytes (NG2 cells): multifunctional cells with lineage plasticity.

Akiko Nishiyama1, Mila Komitova, Ryusuke Suzuki

  • 1Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, 75 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3156, USA. akiko.nishiyama@uconn.edu

Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|December 20, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Polydendrocytes, also known as NG2 cells, are central nervous system cells whose lineage and function are debated. Recent findings suggest they integrate into neural networks, challenging their role solely as oligodendrocyte precursors.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • NG2 cells (polydendrocytes) are a distinct cell population in the central nervous system (CNS).
  • They express NG2 proteoglycan, exhibit complex morphology, and are found in both grey and white matter.
  • Previously considered oligodendrocyte precursor cells, their multipotentiality is now questioned.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the lineage and function of polydendrocytes.
  • To highlight unresolved questions regarding their developmental potential and neural integration.
  • To discuss the implications of polydendrocytes' role in the CNS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on polydendrocyte lineage and function.
  • Analysis of electrophysiological data indicating neuronal synaptic input to polydendrocytes.
  • Synthesis of current research on polydendrocyte differentiation and neural network integration.

Main Results:

  • Polydendrocytes differentiate into oligodendrocytes in vitro.
  • Electrophysiological evidence suggests polydendrocytes receive synaptic input from neurons.
  • The multipotentiality of polydendrocytes (giving rise to neurons and astrocytes) remains a subject of debate.

Conclusions:

  • Polydendrocytes are integrated into CNS neural networks.
  • Their precise lineage and functional capacity, beyond oligodendrocyte differentiation, require further investigation.
  • Understanding polydendrocyte biology is crucial for comprehending CNS development and function.