Oligodendrocyte Microtubules
Oligodendrocyte Microtubules - Related Videos
12:20
Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
0 Views •
Cited by 24 •
2014
Microtubules are inherently unstable polymers, and their switching between growth and shortening is stochastic and difficult to control. Here we describe protocols using segmented microtubules with photoablatable stabilizing caps. Depolymerization of segmented microtubules can be triggered with high temporal and spatial resolution, thereby assisting analysis of motions with the disassembling microtubule ends.
18:17
Derivation of Enriched Oligodendrocyte Cultures and Oligodendrocyte/Neuron Myelinating Co-cultures from Post-natal Murine Tissues
0 Views •
Cited by 106 •
2011
This article describes methods to derive enriched populations of murine oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in primary culture, which differentiate to produce mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). In addition, this report describes techniques to produce murine myelinating co-cultures by seeding mouse OPCs onto a neurite bed of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs).
02:01
A Method for Generating Oligodendrocyte-Conditioned Medium
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates the production of oligodendrocyte-conditioned medium (OCM) from oligodendrocyte lineage cells by stressing them to enhance their molecular release into the medium. This medium, which is rich in growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules, can be added to neuron cultures to gain insight into the impact of oligodendrocytes-secreted factors on neuronal physiology and connectivity.
02:26
A Co-culture Method to Model Neuron-Oligodendrocyte Interactions
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates the establishment of a co-culture of human induced neurons (iNs) and induced oligodendrocyte precursor cells (iOPCs). iNs are mixed with iOPCs in a co-culture and then incubated to support the maturation of both iNs into neurons and iOPCs into oligodendrocytes. Neurons form synaptic connections with other neurons and oligodendrocytes, while oligodendrocytes develop myelin sheaths around the neurons' axons.
03:16
Dual Fluorescence Imaging to Identify Differentiated Oligodendrocytes
0 Views •
2025
Source: Schott, J. T., et al. Preparation of Rat Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cultures and Quantification of Oligodendrogenesis Using Dual-infrared Fluorescence Scanning. J. Vis. Exp. (2016). This video demonstrates the use of dual fluorescence imaging to evaluate the differentiation of oligodendrocytes from precursor cells (OPCs) isolated from a rat pup brain. The process includes fixing the cells, labeling specific markers with primary and fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies, and...
FAQs
Regulated assembly and disassembly allow oligodendrocyte microtubules to reorganize as the cell changes shape and extends processes. This flexibility supports cell polarization, meaning the coordinated development of distinct cellular regions, while also helping direct intracellular transport. Consequently, microtubule dynamics connect structural remodeling with the delivery of materials needed for interactions with axons.
Microtubule organization provides an internal framework that coordinates the extension of oligodendrocyte processes toward axons. It also directs proteins, membranes, and organelles into growing cellular regions. This relationship matters because process extension and targeted transport must occur together for oligodendrocytes to contact axons and coordinate the cellular events associated with myelin formation.
Their organization helps coordinate the movement of proteins, membranes, and organelles through oligodendrocyte processes that contact and wrap axons. By linking intracellular transport with process growth, microtubules contribute to the cellular organization required for myelin formation. The same transport and structural coordination also remains relevant when myelin must be maintained over time.
Investigations can focus on microtubule assembly and disassembly, their organization within oligodendrocytes, intracellular transport, cell polarization, and process extension. Examining these features helps connect cytoskeletal behavior with axon contact and wrapping. Together, these observations provide a framework for studying how oligodendrocyte structure supports myelin-related functions in the central nervous system.
Because microtubule organization supports process extension and directs cellular components, it offers a way to examine how oligodendrocytes participate in remyelination after nervous system injury. Studying these mechanisms may clarify how cells reorganize their internal structure during repair. This makes the cytoskeleton relevant to research on restoring myelin-associated functions after damage.
Oligodendrocyte microtubules connect cellular architecture with axonal support and myelin organization, processes central to white-matter function. Their study therefore contributes to neuroscience research on disorders involving white-matter dysfunction, including multiple sclerosis. Examining microtubule-related changes can help relate altered oligodendrocyte behavior to problems in myelin formation, maintenance, or repair.