Fig. 1: Differentiation and proliferation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells.

Based on the expression of different special proteins, the origin and development of oligodendrocyte lineage cells can be subdivided into three stages: oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), premyelinating oligodendrocytes and mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). Originating from neural stem cells, OL lineage cells begin to express PDGFRα, NG2 (OPCs), galactocerebroside, Oligo2 (premyelinating OLs) and, finally, mature myelin antigens such as MBP and PLP (proteolipid protein). The purple and yellow dashed lines indicate the diverse differentiation potential of OPCs, although this signaling pathway is still under debate.