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A Subpopulation of Foxj1-Expressing, Nonmyelinating Schwann Cells of the Peripheral Nervous System Contribute to Schwann Cell Remyelination in the Central Nervous System.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Wang, Bowei 
Zawadzka, Malgorzata 
Gonzalez, Ginez 
Wu, Zhaozong 

Abstract

New myelin sheaths can be restored to demyelinated axons in a spontaneous regenerative process called remyelination. In general, new myelin sheaths are made by oligodendrocytes newly generated from a widespread population of adult CNS progenitors called oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). New myelin in CNS remyelination in both experimental models and clinical diseases can also be generated by Schwann cells (SCs), the myelin-forming cells of the PNS. Fate-mapping studies have shown that SCs contributing to remyelination in the CNS are often derived from OPCs and appear not to be derived from myelinating SCs from the PNS. In this study, we address whether CNS remyelinating SCs can also be generated from PNS-derived cells other than myelinating SCs. Using a genetic fate-mapping approach, we have found that a subpopulation of nonmyelinating SCs identified by the expression of the transcription factor Foxj1 also contribute to CNS SC remyelination, as well as to remyelination in the PNS. We also find that the ependymal cells lining the central canal of the spinal cord, which also express Foxj1, do not generate cells that contribute to CNS remyelination. These findings therefore identify a previously unrecognized population of PNS glia that can participate in the regeneration of new myelin sheaths following CNS demyelination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Remyelination failure in chronic demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis drives the current quest for developing means by which remyelination in CNS can be enhanced therapeutically. Critical to this endeavor is the need to understand the mechanisms of remyelination, including the nature and identity of the cells capable of generating new myelin sheath-forming cells. Here, we report a previously unrecognized subpopulation of nonmyelinating Schwann cells (SCs) in the PNS, identified by the expression of the transcription factor Foxj1, which can give rise to SCs that are capable of remyelinating both PNS and CNS axons. These cells therefore represent a new cellular target for myelin regenerative strategies for the treatment of CNS disorders characterized by persistent demyelination.

Description

Keywords

CNS remyelination, Foxj1, Schwann cells, peripheral nerve, Animals, Central Nervous System, Female, Forkhead Transcription Factors, Gene Expression, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Myelin Sheath, Peripheral Nervous System, Remyelination, Schwann Cells, Sciatic Nerve, Spinal Cord

Journal Title

J Neurosci

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0270-6474
1529-2401

Volume Title

38

Publisher

Society for Neuroscience
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (G0900424)
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_12009)
Multiple Sclerosis Society (941)
This work is funded by grants from the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society (941), the Medical Research Council (MR/M010531/1), the Royal Society (NA150482), the Adelson Medical Research Foundation, and a core support grant from the Wellcome Trust and MRC to the Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. B.W received funding from the Guangzhou City Overseas Study and Research Scheme. We would like to thank Professor W.D. Richardson for providing PDGFRa-CreERT2 and Sox10iCre lines. Daniel Morrison assisted with tissue processing for electron microscopy