Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS

Published 18. 08. 2021

In the study, researchers from the IEM CAS, in cooperation with colleagues from the IBT CAS, focused on a more detailed investigation of the proliferative and differentiation function of NG2 glia under physiological and pathological conditions. The main researcher was Mgr. Denisa Kirdajová (IEM CAS).

NG2 glia, also referred to as polydendrocytes, are morphologically and functionally distinct from other cell populations of the CNS, i.e. neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and neural stem cells. They are considered the fourth glial cell type, which has the highest proliferation function of all CNS cell types.

To compare the above functions of NG2 glia, the researchers used three types of brain disorders - focal cerebral ischemia, cortical stab wound and demyelination. 

The study results showed that a specific subpopulation of NG2 glia (mainly astrocyte-like NG2 glia) appeared transiently only after focal cerebral ischemia. These cells, located in the postischemic glial scar, were active in the cell cycle and exhibited a current profile similar to that identified in cortical astrocytes. It can be hypothesized that astrocyte-like NG2 glia may play an essential role in the process of glial scar formation and repair after CNS ischemia.

Link to the published publication:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/glia.24064