Fig. 8: Diagram summarizing the main findings. | Nature Neuroscience

Fig. 8: Diagram summarizing the main findings.

From: NG2 glia protect against prion neurotoxicity by inhibiting microglia-to-neuron prostaglandin E2 signaling

Fig. 8

In prion diseases, microglia become activated, and upregulate the pathway responsible for PGE2 biosynthesis, which promotes prion-induced neurodegeneration through binding to neuronal EP4 receptor. NG2 glia serve as a brake in this process, inhibiting microglial Cox2–Ptges pathway and PGE2 biosynthesis through multiple mechanisms (for example, secreted signaling, ECM-receptor interaction and cell–cell contact). Several NG2-glia-derived factors playing a role in this process, such as Tgfb2, Pleiotrophin (Ptn) and Midkine (Mdk), are highlighted in the diagram.

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