Neuronal lineages derived from the nerve-associated Schwann cell precursors

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Jan;78(2):513-529. doi: 10.1007/s00018-020-03609-5. Epub 2020 Aug 3.

Abstract

For a long time, neurogenic placodes and migratory neural crest cells were considered the immediate sources building neurons of peripheral nervous system. Recently, a number of discoveries revealed the existence of another progenitor type-a nerve-associated multipotent Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) building enteric and parasympathetic neurons as well as neuroendocrine chromaffin cells. SCPs are neural crest-derived and are similar to the crest cells by their markers and differentiation potential. Such similarities, but also considerable differences, raise many questions pertaining to the medical side, fundamental developmental biology and evolution. Here, we discuss the genesis of Schwann cell precursors, their role in building peripheral neural structures and ponder on their role in the origin in congenial diseases associated with peripheral nervous systems.

Keywords: Chromaffin cells; Enteric nervous system; Hirschsprung disease; Neuroblastoma; Peripheral nervous system; Schwann cell precursors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromaffin Cells / cytology
  • Chromaffin Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nervous System / cytology
  • Peripheral Nervous System / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / cytology*
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism