The role of chromatin remodeling complexes in Schwann cell development.

Franziska Fröb,Michael Wegner

doi:10.1002/glia.23766

Abstract

Schwann cells develop from neural crest cells in an ordered series of events and give rise to myelinating and nonmyelinating subtypes. In their mature state, myelinating Schwann cells produce myelin sheaths that provide trophic support to axons and allow saltatory conduction in the vertebrate peripheral nervous system. Each step of Schwann cell development requires defined changes in chromatin structure that are catalyzed by chromatin remodeling complexes. Over the last years, all major types of chromatin remodeling complexes have been detected in Schwann cells and several have been functionally analyzed. SWI/SNF-type, CHD-type, and INO80/SWR-type chromatin remodelers in particular have been shown to interact with multiple cell-type specific transcription factors and histone modifiers and to be important regulators of Schwann cell development. As a result of different recruitment strategies, each chromatin remodeler targets defined genomic areas and impacts unique mechanisms at specific stages of Schwann cell development. Chromatin remodeling complexes undoubtedly constitute essential components of the Schwann cell regulatory network.

Highlights

Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system are one of several cell types derived from the neural crest in vertebrates (Le Douarin & Kalchheim, 1999)
Immature Schwann cells are in contact with large bundles of differently sized axons, which they invade with their processes to sort out large caliber axons
As a result of this radial sorting process, some Schwann cells stay in contact with several small caliber axons, give rise to Remak bundles and convert into nonmyelinating Schwann cells

Summary

Introduction

Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system are one of several cell types derived from the neural crest in vertebrates (Le Douarin & Kalchheim, 1999). A survey of publicly available RNA-Seq data from primary Schwann cells cultured under proliferative or differentiating conditions confirms that at least one central ATPase subunit for each of the four types of chromatin remodeling complexes is expressed at medium to high levels (Figure 1).

Results

Conclusion