Oligodendrocytes as providers of growth factors.
Glial cells recently are being appreciated as supporters of brain neurons. This review addresses their role as growth factor providers. While the function of astrocytes in this capacity is known, new data indicate that oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the brain, exhibit similar abilities. Oligodendrocytes provide trophic signals to nearby neurons and synthesize defined growth factors. Expression of growth factors is influenced by neural signals. The review summarizes these roles and their implications in brain function.
Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
Yangzhou
Y
Du
Cheryl F
CF
Dreyfus
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D051525:Fibroblast Growth Factor 9; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D020880:Neuregulins / Q000378:metabolism; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism
D051525:Fibroblast Growth Factor 9; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D006133:Growth Substances; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D020880:Neuregulins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I