Oligodendrocyte precursor cells engulf synapses during circuit remodeling in mice
Yohan S. S. Auguste, Austin Ferro, Jessica A. Kahng, André Machado Xavier, Jessica R. Dixon, Uma Vrudhula, Anne-Sarah Nichitiu, Daniele Rosado, Tse-Luen Wee, Ullas V. Pedmale, Lucas Cheadle
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) give rise to myelinating oligodendrocytes throughout life, but the functions of OPCs are not limited to oligodendrogenesis. Here we show that OPCs contribute to thalamocortical presynapse elimination in the developing and adult mouse visual cortex. OPC-mediated synapse engulfment increases in response to sensory experience during neural circuit refinement. Our data suggest that OPCs may regulate synaptic connectivity in the brain independently of oligodendrogenesis.
Topics & Concepts
NeuroscienceOligodendrocyteSynapseBiologySynapse formationSensory systemMyelinCentral nervous systemNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsNeuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research