Frontiers in Pharmacology (Dec 2014)

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

  • Sucharita eSomkuwar,
  • Miranda eStaples,
  • Melissa eGalinato,
  • McKenzie eFannon,
  • Chitra D Mandyam

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2014.00279
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5

Abstract

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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.

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