Schwann cell precursors contribute to skeletal formation during embryonic development in mice and zebrafish

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Jul 23;116(30):15068-15073. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1900038116. Epub 2019 Jul 8.

Abstract

Immature multipotent embryonic peripheral glial cells, the Schwann cell precursors (SCPs), differentiate into melanocytes, parasympathetic neurons, chromaffin cells, and dental mesenchymal populations. Here, genetic lineage tracing revealed that, during murine embryonic development, some SCPs detach from nerve fibers to become mesenchymal cells, which differentiate further into chondrocytes and mature osteocytes. This occurred only during embryonic development, producing numerous craniofacial and trunk skeletal elements, without contributing to development of the appendicular skeleton. Formation of chondrocytes from SCPs also occurred in zebrafish, indicating evolutionary conservation. Our findings reveal multipotency of SCPs, providing a developmental link between the nervous system and skeleton.

Keywords: Schwann cell precursors; bone; cartilage; glia; mesenchymal cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / cytology*
  • Bone and Bones / embryology
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage / genetics*
  • Chondrocytes / cytology*
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Chromaffin Cells / cytology
  • Chromaffin Cells / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Embryonic Development
  • Gene Expression
  • Melanocytes / cytology
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Multipotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / genetics
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / metabolism
  • Nerve Fibers / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue / cytology*
  • Nerve Tissue / embryology
  • Nerve Tissue / metabolism
  • Neural Crest / cytology
  • Neural Crest / growth & development
  • Neural Crest / metabolism
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology
  • Neural Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / cytology
  • Neuroglia / metabolism
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Osteocytes / cytology
  • Osteocytes / metabolism
  • SOXE Transcription Factors / genetics
  • SOXE Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / cytology*
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Zebrafish / embryology
  • Zebrafish / genetics
  • Zebrafish / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein
  • Plp1 protein, mouse
  • SOXE Transcription Factors
  • Sox10 protein, mouse