Notch signaling: a rheostat regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation?
Recent studies suggest that Notch signaling provides both instructive and inhibitory cues for oligodendroglial differentiation, depending on the developmental stage and the stimulatory ligand. In the October 17 issue of Cell, Hu et al. present the axonal cell adhesion molecule contactin as a functional Notch ligand, and suggest interesting potential roles for axoglial interactions in regulating oligodendroglial maturation.
Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC2030, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Brian
B
Popko
D000818:Animals; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D058966:Contactins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D058966:Contactins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch