Role of NG2 Expressing Cells in Addiction: A New approach for an Old Problem

• Main Authors: Sucharita eSomkuwar (Author), Miranda eStaples (Author), Melissa eGalinato (Author), McKenzie eFannon (Author), Chitra D Mandyam (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2014-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) is a proteoglycan expressed predominantly in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). NG2-expressing OPCs (NG2-OPCs) are self-renewing cells that are widely distributed in the grey and white matter areas of the central nervous system. NG2-OPCs can mature into premyelinating oligodendrocytes and myelinating oligodendroglia which serve as the primary source of myelin in the brain. This review characterizes NG2-OPCs in brain structure and function, conceptualizes the role of NG2-OPCs in brain regions associated with negative reinforcement and relapse to drug seeking and discusses how NG2-OPCs are regulated by neuromodulators linked to motivational withdrawal. We hope to provide the readers with an overview of the role of NG2-OPCs in brain structure and function in the context of negative affect state in substance abuse disorders and to integrate our current understanding of the physiological significance of the NG2-OPCs in the adult brain.

Item Description

1663-9812
10.3389/fphar.2014.00279