NG2 glia

NG2 glia is a type of macroglia found in the central nervous system, which is distinct from astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.[1] They get their name from the expression of NG2 proteoglycan on their surface. Although their exact function is unknown, they are found engulfing synapses and express receptors specific for the synapses.[2] NG2 glia were believed to be the precursors of oligodendrocytes, but recent evidence suggests that they have distinct functions and divide very slowly. From an evolutionary point of view, the NG2 glia attained more complexity in the mammals and primates.

References

  1. ^ Raff, MC; Miller, RH; Noble, M (1983). "A glial progenitor cell that develops in vitro into an astrocyte or an oligodendrocyte depending on culture medium". Nature 303 (5916): 390–396. doi:10.1038/303390a0. PMID 6304520. 
  2. ^ Butt, A. M.; Duncan, A.; Hornby, M. F.; Kirvell, S. L.; Hunter, A.; Levine, J. M.; Berry, M. (1999). "Cells expressing the NG2 antigen contact nodes of Ranvier in adult CNS white matter". Glia 26 (1): 84–91. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1098-1136(199903)26:1<84::AID-GLIA9>3.0.CO;2-L. PMID 10088675.  edit