The precursor cells of oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, were first discovered in 1993 by Raff, Miller, and Noble [1]. They have been extensively studied and are referred to in the literature as either oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte progenitor cells or oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC). The developing and adult central nervous system both contain OPC [2, 3]. In culture, OPC can be generated from neural progenitors or neural stem cells by the stimulation of basic fibroblast growth factor. OPC proliferate in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor or factors produced by astrocytes, and differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Based on these qualities, OPC provide an exceptional model to study developmental transitions.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Medium (OPCM, Cat. No. SC1601) for culturing ROPC in vitro and Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Differentiation Medium (OPCDM, Cat. No. SC1631) for differentiating ROPC.
Product Use
This product is for research use only. It is not approved for use in humans, animals, or in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Storage
Upon receiving, directly and immediately transfer the cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for experiments.
Shipping
Dry ice
Warranty
Cells are only warranted if ScienCell media and reagents are used and the recommended protocols are followed.
References
[1] Raff, M. C., Miller, R. H. and Noble, M. (1983) A glial progenitor cell that develops in vitro into an astrocyte or an oligodendrocyte depending on the culture medium. Nature 303:390-396.
[2] ffrench-Constant, C. and Raff. M. C. (1986) Proliferating bipotential glial progenitor cells in adult rat optic nerve. Nature 319:499-502.
[3] Wolswijk, G. and Noble, M. (1989) Identification of an adult-specific glial progenitor cell. Development 105:387-400.
[4] Noble, M., Murray, K., Stroobant, P., Waterfield, M. D. Riddle, P. (1988) Platelet-derived growth factor promotes division and motility and inhibits premature differentiation of the oligodendrocyte/type-2 astrocyte progenitor cells. Nature 333:560-562.