NG2-expressing cells are a heterogeneous population of cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. NG2 is expressed by oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell progenitors and down-regulated as these cells mature and express myelin proteins. In addition it is expressed by cells in grey matter in developing and adult brain that make close contact to neurons.

NG2 is a type I membrane protein with a PDZ-recognition domain at the intracellular C-terminus. PDZ-binding partners of NG2 include GRIP which binds also to GluRB and GluRC subunits of AMPA receptors expressed by immature glial cells. NG2, GRIP and AMPA receptors may thus form a tripartite complex at the contact site between the glial cell and glutamate releasing neurons. NG2 also binds Syntenin, which can interact with the cytoskeleton and may thus play a role in the motility of NG2-expressing cells and their processes.

NG2-expressing cells appear to play a role in the remyelination of demyelinated lesions. Some Multiple Sclerosis patients make antibodies against NG2 and these could conceivably influence the disease by inhibiting remyelination or adversely influencing glial-neuronal signalling at e.g. synapses.

Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the gemeinnützige Hertie- Stiftung.