Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) Deletion Disrupts Oligodendrocyte Development by Altering Cell Cycle

Abstract

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a scaffolding protein involved in integrating signals from the extracellular environment and communicating those signals to downstream effectors within cells. It has been proposed to regulate aspects of oligodendrocyte process extension and thereby myelination. However, the current studies demonstrate that it has an earlier impact on cells in this lineage. Knocking down ILK in Olig1-Cre-expressing cells reduces the pool of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). This smaller pool of OPCs results from altered cell cycle and reduced cell proliferation. These cells myelinate fewer axons than in wild-type mice and, in corpus callosum, the myelin is thinner than in controls. Interestingly, the smaller pool of spinal cord oligodendrocytes generates myelin that is of normal thickness.