Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 675.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | NG2 cells form extensive contacts with developing axons and promote axon outgrowth. |
| Authors: |
Yang, Z.*1
; Bai, J.1
; LoTurco, J. J.1
; Nishiyama, A.1
1Dept. Physiol & Neurobiol, Univ. Connecticut, Storrs, CT |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Development - Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis -- Neuron-glia interactions |
| Session: |
675. Neuron-glia Interactions: Oligodendrocytes & Schwann Cells Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 11, 2003 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # B22 |
| Keywords: | PROTEOGLYCAN, OLIGODENDROCYTE, GROWTH CONE, ASTROCYTE |
NG2 cells are a novel, unique and major glial population in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). NG2 cells have been best characterized as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) based on their expression of the OPC antigen, PDGF α receptor, and their ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes in vitro. Although the NG2 proteoglycan has been shown to inhibit axonal growth, the role of NG2 cells in axonal growth has not been shown. In this study, we investigated the relationship between axons and NG2 cells during development. The effect of NG2 cells on neurite outgrowth and the spatial relationship between NG2 cells and growing axons were examined and compared with those of astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Postnatal glia- hippocampal neuron cocultures were used for all the in vitro studies. Neurons cocultured with OPCs extended 2- to 2.5- fold longer axons than control neurons. Axonal stems and growth cones did not avoid but formed relative stable connections with NG2 cells. For in vivo studies, callosal axons were labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) by in utero electroporating the cortical commissural neurons with eGFP-encoding plasmid. Contrary to the widespread notion, OPCs did not only permit but stimulated axonal growth despite robust NG2 expression. Growth cones of axons crossing the corpus callosum formed extensive contacts with NG2 cells, but not astrocytes. These observations demonstrate that OPCs exert positive effects on neuronal axon growth and that axonal growth cones displaying complex morphology do not avoid but extensively contact OPCs. These findings suggest that NG2+ OPCs might function as an essential glial population that facilitates axonal outgrowth, maturation and establishment of appropriate connections during development. supported by: Wadsworth foundation. .
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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