Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. They are responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath, which is essential for the efficient transmission of nerve impulses (Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001). Oligodendrocytes are also involved in the repair and maintenance of the CNS, and are important for the development of neurons (Konur et al., 2008).
Oligodendrocytes are derived from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) (Konur et al., 2008). OPCs are multipotent cells that can differentiate into both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes (Konur et al., 2008). Oligodendrocytes are generated from OPCs in the presence of certain growth factors, such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) (Konur et al., 2008).
Once they are formed, oligodendrocytes extend multiple processes that eventually form the myelin sheath around axons (Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001). The myelin sheath is composed of layers of lipids and proteins that insulate the axon and allow for efficient signal transmission (Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001). Oligodendrocytes also produce trophic factors, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is important for neuronal survival and development (Konur et al., 2008).
Oligodendrocytes are susceptible to a variety of diseases and disorders. Multiple sclerosis is a disease resulting from an autoimmune response that destroys the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes (Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001). Additionally, genetic mutations in genes involved in oligodendrocyte development and differentiation have been linked to a variety of neurological disorders, including Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease and leukodystrophies (Konur et al., 2008).
In conclusion, oligodendrocytes are an important type of glial cell found in the CNS. They are responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath, which is essential for the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Oligodendrocytes are derived from OPCs, and are important for neuronal development and maintenance. They are also vulnerable to a variety of diseases and disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and genetic mutations.
References
Baumann, N., & Pham-Dinh, D. (2001). Biology of oligodendrocytes. Physiological Reviews, 81(2), 871–927.
Konur, S., Akman, H., Akman, O., & Topçu, M. (2008). Oligodendrocyte precursors and their role in multiple sclerosis. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 28(2), 281–303.