Abstract: During development, OPCs migrate extensively throughout the spinal cord, but their migration is restricted at transition zones (TZ). At these specialized locations, unique glial cells in both zebrafish and mice are at least partially responsible for preventing peripheral OPC migration, but the mechanisms of this regulation are not understood. In order to elucidate the signals that mediate OPC segregation at motor exit point (MEP) TZs, we performed an unbiased small molecule screen. Using chemical screening and in vivo imaging, we discovered that inhibition of A2a adenosine receptors (AR) causes ectopic OPC migration out of the spinal cord. In our studies, we provide in vivo evidence that endogenous neuromodulation by adenosine regulates OPC migration along motor axons, specifically at the MEP TZ. This work opens exciting possibilities for understanding how OPCs reach their final destinations during development and identifies mechanisms that could promote their migration in disease.

Abstract: During development, OPCs migrate extensively throughout the spinal cord, but their migration is restricted at transition zones (TZ). At these specialized locations, unique glial cells in both zebrafish and mice are at least partially responsible for preventing peripheral OPC migration, but the mechanisms of this regulation are not understood. In order to elucidate the signals that mediate OPC segregation at motor exit point (MEP) TZs, we performed an unbiased small molecule screen. Using chemical screening and in vivo imaging, we discovered that inhibition of A2a adenosine receptors (AR) causes ectopic OPC migration out of the spinal cord. In our studies, we provide in vivo evidence that endogenous neuromodulation by adenosine regulates OPC migration along motor axons, specifically at the MEP TZ. This work opens exciting possibilities for understanding how OPCs reach their final destinations during development and identifies mechanisms that could promote their migration in disease.