Oligodendrocyte precursor cell maturation: role of adenosine receptors

Oligodendrocyte-formed myelin sheaths allow fast synaptic transmission in the brain and their degeneration leads to demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Remyelination requires differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes but, chronic neurodegenerative disorders, remyelination fails due adverse environment. Therefore, a strategy prompt cell towards myelinating is required. The neuromodulator adenosine, its receptors (A1, A2A, A2B A3 receptors: A1R, A2AR, A2BR A3R), are crucial mediators processes. It known that A1Rs facilitate maturation migration whereas A3Rs initiates apoptosis cells. Our group research contributed field by demonstrating A2AR inhibit reducing voltage-dependent K+ currents necessary for differentiation. present review summarizes possible role adenosine receptor ligands potential therapeutic targets pathologies