Transcription factor 7 like 2 promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination

Mol Med Rep. 2017 Aug;16(2):1864-1870. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6843. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

Abstract

Transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2, also termed TCF4), is a Wnt effector induced transiently in the oligodendroglial lineage. The current well accepted hypothesis is that TCF7L2 inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination through canonical Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. However, recent studies indicated that TCF7L2 activity is required during oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination. In order to clarify this, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis using in vivo TCF7L2 conditional knockout mice, were performed and it was found that TCF7L2 promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation during myelin formation and remyelination. Furthermore, it was established that TCF7L2 does not affect oligodendrocyte precursor cells during remyelination. These data are of important clinical significance to develop novel therapeutic targets to overcome multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion
  • Male
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology*
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism*
  • Remyelination*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein