Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Primary Schwann Cells, Keratinocytes, and Fibroblasts from Human Foreskin
Published on: March 23, 2022
Clinical implications of Schwann cell biology
Patricia J Armati1, Emily K Mathey
1Neuroinflammation Group, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
The neuroglia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are derived from the neural crest and are a diverse family of cells. They consist of myelinating Schwann cells, non-myelinating Schwann cells, satellite cells, and perisynaptic Schwann cells. Due to their prominent role in the formation of myelin, myelinating Schwann cells are the best recognised of these cells. However, Schwann cells and the other neuroglia of the PNS have many functions that are independent of myelination and contribute significantly to the functioning of the peripheral nerve in both health and disease. Here we discuss the contribution of PNS neuroglial cells to clinical deficit in neurodegenerative disease, peripheral neuropathy, and pain.
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