In Vivo Clonal Analysis Reveals Development Heterogeneity of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Derived from Distinct Germinal Zones (Adv. Sci. 20/2021)

Abstract

Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells In article number 2102274, Chong Liu and co-workers describe that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) originated from distinct germinal zones undergo distinct cellular destinies. This phenomenon parallels the Greek myth of Gemini twins Castor and Pollux: Ventral germinal zone derived OPCs, resembling mortal brother Castor, will age and eventually die. In contrast, dorsal germinal zone derived OPCs, like the immortal brother Pollux in the myth, continue expand and serve as the pool of oligodendrocytes to provide myelin for neurons (described as the chain grasped in the hands of immortal Pollux).