Cell of all trades: oligodendrocyte precursor cells in synaptic, vascular, and immune function

Genes Dev. 2021 Feb 1;35(3-4):180-198. doi: 10.1101/gad.344218.120.

Abstract

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are not merely a transitory progenitor cell type, but rather a distinct and heterogeneous population of glia with various functions in the developing and adult central nervous system. In this review, we discuss the fate and function of OPCs in the brain beyond their contribution to myelination. OPCs are electrically sensitive, form synapses with neurons, support blood-brain barrier integrity, and mediate neuroinflammation. We explore how sex and age may influence OPC activity, and we review how OPC dysfunction may play a primary role in numerous neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Finally, we highlight areas of future research.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; NG2 glia; blood–brain barrier; immunity; neurodevelopment; oligodendrocyte precursor; senescence; sex differences; synapse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Brain / embryology
  • Brain / immunology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Electrical Synapses / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / pathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells / cytology*
  • Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells / immunology*
  • Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells / pathology
  • Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells / physiology
  • Sex Factors