Satellite glial cells represent a population of developmentally arrested Schwann cells. Issue 7 (9th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Dale; Ahrens, Paige; Lambert, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Glia. Volume 66:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1496
• Page End: 1506
• Publication Date: 2018-03-09
• Subjects: cadherin‐19 -- myelin -- satellite glial cells -- Schwann cells; Neuroglia -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 611.0188
• DOI: 10.1002/glia.23320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-1491

Abstract

Abstract: Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that form sheaths around the neuronal cell body. This unique arrangement of SGCs allows it to exert a highly regulated control over the neuronal microenvironment. Not much is known about the origin of SGCs. In this study, we examine the development of SGCs. We show that rat SGCs develop postnatally and these cells express a number of markers associated with Schwann cell precursors, in particular cadherin‐19 (CDH19) even in adult DRGs. We developed a method for the purification of SGCs and showed that they are transcriptionally and morphologically very similar to adult rat Schwann cells (SCs). Finally, we demonstrate that purified SGCs are capable of myelinating embryonic axons when cocultured with those axons. Based on these observations we hypothesize that SGCs represent a population of cells in the SC lineage, whose further differentiation appears to be arrested through contact with DRG neuronal soma. Main Points: Satellite glial cells develop postnatally and appear to be arrested Schwann cell precursors around the neuronal soma. In culture, satellite glial cells are morphologically, transcriptionally and functionally similar to a Schwann cell.