Specific labeling of synaptic schwann cells reveals unique cellular and molecular features
Open Access
- 25 June 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd in eLife
Abstract
Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) are specialized, non-myelinating, synaptic glia of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), that participate in synapse development, function, maintenance, and repair. The study of PSCs has relied on an anatomy-based approach, as the identities of cell-specific PSC molecular markers have remained elusive. This limited approach has precluded our ability to isolate and genetically manipulate PSCs in a cell specific manner. We have identified neuron-glia antigen 2 (NG2) as a unique molecular marker of S100β+ PSCs in skeletal muscle. NG2 is expressed in Schwann cells already associated with the NMJ, indicating that it is a marker of differentiated PSCs. Using a newly generated transgenic mouse in which PSCs are specifically labeled, we show that PSCs have a unique molecular signature that includes genes known to play critical roles in PSCs and synapses. These findings will serve as a springboard for revealing drivers of PSC differentiation and function.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institutes of Health (R01AG055545)
- National Institutes of Health (R56AG051501)
- National Institutes of Health (R21NS106313)
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