Reelin Signaling in Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Migration

Abstract

Oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs) are the precursors to the myelinating oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). These cells are produced in the ventral neuroepithelium at later stages of cortical development, migrating into the cortex where they contact axons and differentiate, ultimately forming a myelin membrane. During the process of differentiation, OPCs undergo significant morphological changes, extending many processes which will make contact with axons. Once in contact with an axon, the oligodendrocyte process expands and begins to form the myelin membrane which will ensheathe the axon. Reelin is a highly conserved secretory glycoprotein, which has acritical role in directing neuronal migration. Reelin orchestrates the proper cortical layer formation and neuronal organization during brain development. In the absence of Reelin, the cerebral crotex is disorganized, with inverted cortical layers, generating devastating biological effects. Reelin acts through several cellular receptors, activating numerous downstream effectors and complex signaling cascades. If elements of the Reelin signalling pathway are disrupted,similar defects in migration can occur.Oligodendroglial cells, from the early progenitor cells to the mature myelinating cells secrete Reelin, but also express a receptor for Reelin and criticalelements of the intracellular Reelin signaling pathways. It is not known if these cells canrespond to Reelin. In this thesis, we examined the effects of Reelin on oligodendroglial cells, using both in vitroand in vivomethods. We demostrate a potentialrole for Reelin in modulating oligodendrocyte migration, but also identify a novel aspect ofReelin signalling in the biology of oligodendroglia.