Role of Oct-6 in Schwann cell differentiation.
Research into the POU transcription factor Oct-6 has been the focus of much current attention, in particular its role in Schwann cell development and differentiation. Based on published data and data presented here, we propose a model for Oct-6 function at two distinct stages of Schwann cell maturation. First, Oct-6 function is required in promyelin cells for their timely differentiation into myelinating cells. Second, Oct-6 functions during myelination and is required for the proper downregulation of its own gene. While the first function of Oct-6 is firmly established, the second function is still highly hypothetical. Experiments to establish a distinct role for Oct-6 in late Schwann cell differentiation are discussed.
Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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M
Jaegle
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D
Meijer
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D050816:Octamer Transcription Factor-6; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D014157:Transcription Factors; D050816:Octamer Transcription Factor-6