Chromatin-remodeling enzymes in control of Schwann cell development, maintenance and plasticity

Gene regulation is essential for cellular differentiation and plasticity. Schwann cells (SCs), the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), develop from neural crest cells to mature myelinating SCs and can at early developmental stage differentiate into various cell types. After a PNS lesion, SCs can also convert into repair cells that guide and stimulate axonal regrowth, and remyelinate regenerated axons. What controls their development and versatile nature? Several recent studies highlight the key roles of chromatin modifiers in these processes, allowing SCs to regulate their gene expression profile and thereby acquire or change their identity and quickly react to their environment.