Reduced inflammation accompanies diminished myelin damage and repair in the NG2 null mouse spinal cord

This study investigates the role of the NG2 proteoglycan in spinal cord demyelination and remyelination, processes relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS). NG2 is found on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), pericytes, and macrophages/microglia, all of which participate in myelin damage and repair. The researchers compared myelin damage and repair in wild type mice versus NG2 null mice (lacking NG2) after inducing demyelination in the spinal cord. They also examined how NG2 affects the behavior of OPCs, pericytes, and macrophages/microglia during these processes. The findings suggest that NG2 plays a complex role, influencing both the initial damage and the subsequent repair. Loss of NG2 leads to decreased proliferation of key cell types and a shift towards an anti-inflammatory environment, ultimately affecting the extent of myelin damage and repair.

• 1
  The initial volume of spinal cord demyelination in wild type mice is twice as large as in NG2 null mice, suggesting NG2 influences the initial damage phase.
• 2
  Over the ensuing 5 weeks, myelin repair was significantly better in wild type mice compared to NG2 null mice, indicating NG2's importance in the repair process.
• 3
  NG2 ablation resulted in reduced numbers and proliferation of OPCs, pericytes, and macrophages/microglia in demyelinated lesions, demonstrating NG2's role in regulating these cell populations.