An 'oligarchy' rules neural development

Trends Neurosci. 2002 Aug;25(8):417-22. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(02)02201-4.

Abstract

Recent reports show that Olig genes, which encode the basic helix-loop-helix Olig transcription factors, are essential for development of oligodendrocytes. Surprisingly, Olig function is also required for formation of somatic motor neurons. These findings alter our views of how the oligodendrocyte lineage is generated and raise further questions about the underlying developmental relationships between neurons and glia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Lineage / physiology*
  • Central Nervous System / abnormalities*
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout / abnormalities
  • Mice, Knockout / genetics
  • Mice, Knockout / metabolism
  • Motor Neurons / cytology
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • OLIG1 protein, human
  • OLIG2 protein, human
  • Olig1 protein, mouse
  • Olig2 protein, mouse
  • Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2
  • Transcription Factors