The culture of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs)—a distinct glial cell type

Abstract

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have become a popular candidate for the transplant-mediated repair of the damaged CNS. In this review a description is made of the origins of these cells and a historical development of their purification and maintenance in culture. In addition, we illustrate the cellular and molecular characteristics of OECs and emphasise that although they share many properties with Schwann cells, they possess several inherent differences which may allow them to be more beneficial for CNS repair. In summary, OECs are distinct glial cells and the detailed understanding of their biological and molecular properties is essential in ensuring their clinical efficacy after cell transplantation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Understanding olfactory ensheathing glia and their prospect for nervous system repair.

Myelin-associated proteins block the migration of olfactory ensheathing cells: an in vitro study using single-cell tracking and traction force microscopy

“…Indeed, two populations of OECs have been described in vitro and in some in vivo studies: Schwann cell-like OECs (sOECs), with fusiform bipolar form; and astrocyte-like OECs (aOECs), with a more flatted structure Kumar et al, 2005). In fact, the morphology of cultured OECs is dependent on the culture media (Au and Roskams, 2003;Higginson and Barnett, 2011); although they transform from a fusiform to a flat-sheet form spontaneously (Huang et al, 2008).…”

The role of olfactory ensheating cells in regenerative medicine: review of the literature

“…The glial cells of the olfactory bulb were first identified by the histologists Golgi and Blanes at the end of the nineteenth century 16 , being thought to be included in Schwann cells family, but further studies demonstrated that they are a distinct glial cell type 16,17,18 . In the early studies another terminology was used, defining two different terms depending of the source of cell isolation: olfactory bulb ensheathing cells -cells isolated from olfactory bulbs and olfactory nerve ensheathing cells.…”

“…In the early studies another terminology was used, defining two different terms depending of the source of cell isolation: olfactory bulb ensheathing cells -cells isolated from olfactory bulbs and olfactory nerve ensheathing cells. This classification is no longer relevant, in present the proper term for these cells being olfactory ensheathing cells (olfactory ensheathing glia) 18 . Olfactory ensheathing glia shares some properties with Schwann cells and astrocytes 6 , although because of their different pattern of markers and properties are classified as a different type of glial cells.…”

“…A dissection is practiced to the olfactory bulb, separating the components and isolation of the nerve fiber layer. OECs from both peripheral and central olfactory tissue can be purified and cultured 18 . A variety of purification methods have been implemented, including the sorting of cells based on their expression of different molecules, such as sulfatide O4, and not expressing others, like galactocerebroside 20 , immunopurification techniques, selection of positive cells for different receptors, and methods based on differential adhesion of OECs.…”

Ginsenoside Rg1 Promotes the Migration of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells <i>via</i> the PI3K/Akt Pathway to Repair Rat Spinal Cord Injury

“…5) However, previous research indicates that the proliferation ability and biological activity of OECs significantly decreased in an in vitro culture. 6) Therefore, it is critical to improve the neural repairing ability of OECs that are associated with SCI via the enhancement of the biological activity of cells. Recent studies conducted by our team 7,8) have demonstrated that silk fibroin nanofibers enhanced the adhesion, growth and migration of OECs in vitro.…”