Axoglial interaction via the notch receptor in oligodendrocyte differentiation
Hu, Q.D.; Cui, X.Y.; Ng, Y.K.; Xiao, Z.C.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 33(5): 581-588
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 15531953 Document Number: 577554
Introduction: Increasing evidence has revealed that the Notch signalling pathway is one of the pivotal systems that mediate oligodendrocyte development. The Notch receptor is a type I transmembrane molecule that represents a novel cellular signalling paradigm, namely, regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). Method: The typical Notch ligands, such as Delta, Serrate/ Jagged and Lag2 (DSL), promote the formation of oligodendocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and maintain them in an uncommitted stage, thus retarding oligodendrocyte appearance in the central nervous system (CNS). Results: In contrast, our recent studies have revealed that F3 contactin, a GPI-linked neural adhesion molecule, interacts with Notch and speeds up the generation and maturation of oligodendrocytes. Conclusions: Considering the distinct, albeit somewhat overlapping expression patterns of F3 and DSL in the CNS, the Notch receptor appears to function ligand-dependently during oligodendrocyte development. This multipotentiality may well designate the Notch receptor as one of the therapeutic targets that one can manoeuvre to treat demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, that is characterised by chronic myelin degeneration.