Integrin Signaling in Oligodendrocytes and Its Importance in CNS Myelination

Figure 1

Representation of integrin receptor expression over the course of oligodendrocyte development. Oligodendrocytes originate as precursor cells with simple morphology and subsequently differentiate into pro-oligodendrocytes, characterized by extension of intricate process meshworks. The final stages of maturation involve wrapping of axons in multiple layers of myelin membrane. Integrin receptors are differentially expressed during oligodendrocyte maturation. αvβ1-integrin and α6β1-integrin are strongly expressed in the oligodendrocyte precursor phase, whereas αvβ5-integrin is strongly expressed in late stages of development. αvβ8 is principally expressed in early and late stages of oligodendrocyte maturation, while αvβ3-integrin is expressed strongly in intermediate stages.