Hao Huang1 · Wanjun He1 · Tao Tang2 · Mengsheng Qiu1 Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
2 Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Abstract
Glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are composed of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia. They contribute more than half of the total cells of the CNS, and are essential for neural development and functioning. Studies on the fate specification, differentiation, and functional diversification of glial cells mainly rely on the proper use of cell- or stage-specific molecular markers. However, as cellular markers often exhibit different specificity and sensitivity, careful consideration must be given prior to their application to avoid possible confusion. Here, we provide an updated overview of a list of well-established immunological markers for the labeling of central glia, and discuss the cell-type specificity and stage dependency of their expression.
Keywords
Glial cells; Oligodendrocytes; Astrocytes; Microglia; Markers
