What are Schwann cells?

Schwann cells are specialized glial cells that play a fundamental role in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). As the primary support cells of peripheral nerves, they surround and insulate nerve fibers, ensuring efficient transmission of nerve impulses and contributing to the overall health of normal peripheral nerve tissue. These cells originate from neural crest cells, multipotent stem cells that migrate from the neural tube during embryonic development. They undergo a series of tightly regulated processes, including Schwann cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration.

Within the PNS, Schwann cells are essential for both the maintenance and repair of peripheral nerves. They are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons, a structure that dramatically increases the speed of nerve signal conduction. There are two main types of Schwann cells: myelinating Schwann cells, which wrap around axons to form thick, insulating myelin, and non-myelinating Schwann cells, which provide support to smaller nerve fibers without producing myelin. Myelinating Schwann cells progress through distinct developmental stages, from immature Schwann cells, characterized by high proliferative capacity and plasticity, to mature Schwann cells that maintain stable myelin sheaths.

Schwann cell markers, such as S100 and p75NTR, are widely used in research to identify and study Schwann cells at various stages of development. These markers help distinguish Schwann cells from other glial cell types and are invaluable for investigating processes like peripheral nerve regeneration, cell proliferation, and the response to nerve injury.

Beyond their role in myelination, these cells actively participate in nerve regeneration. Following peripheral nerve damage, they can dedifferentiate, proliferate, and guide axonal regeneration, making them central to the repair process. They also interact with other cell types, including immune and stem cells, to maintain nervous system integrity and promote recovery.

Recent research highlights the remarkable plasticity of Schwann cells. Under certain conditions, they can differentiate into other cell types, such as melanocytes or fibroblasts, and even exhibit properties of neural stem cells. This adaptability positions Schwann cells as promising candidates for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with potential applications in treating nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

In summary, Schwann cells are indispensable for the function and repair of the peripheral nervous system. Their unique developmental origins, diverse functions, and dynamic responses to injury make them a key focus of neuroscience research and a valuable resource for developing new therapeutic strategies.

SOX10

SOX10 is a transcription factor involved in neural crest development and is widely recognized as a marker for Schwann cells. These glial cells support peripheral nerves and play a role in nerve regeneration. SOX10 regulates genes linked to myelination and cell differentiation, making it useful in identifying Schwann cell populations in both research and diagnostic settings. Its expression is also observed in melanocytes and certain tumors, highlighting its broader relevance in developmental biology and pathology. Researchers continue to explore SOX10’s regulatory networks to better understand its function in health and disease.

Figure 1. Multiplex immunohistochemistry - Anti-SOX10 antibody [EPR4007-104] (ab180862).

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S100B

S100B is a calcium-binding protein commonly used as a marker for Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. It plays a role in intracellular signaling, cell growth, and response to injury. In Schwann cells, S100B maintains cell structure and supports nerve regeneration. Its expression is also observed in glial cells and certain tumors, making it useful in both research and clinical diagnostics. S100B can be detected through immunohistochemistry, helping researchers identify Schwann cell populations in tissue samples and study their behavior in development, disease, and repair.

Figure 2. Immunohistochemistry (Formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) - Anti-S100 beta antibody [EP1576Y] - Astrocyte Marker (ab52642).

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Myelinating Schwann cells

Myelinating Schwann cells form the insulating myelin sheath around peripheral nerves, supporting fast signal transmission. Common markers include MPZ (myelin protein zero), MBP (myelin basic protein), and EGR2 (early growth response 2). MPZ and MBP are structural proteins that stabilize the myelin sheath, while EGR2 is a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in myelination. These markers help researchers identify Schwann cell states during development, injury, and disease. Their expression patterns are widely used in studies of peripheral neuropathies and regenerative therapies targeting nerve repair.

MPZ

MPZ, or myelin protein zero, is a structural glycoprotein expressed by myelinating Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. It plays a role in compacting the myelin sheath, which insulates axons and supports efficient nerve conduction. MPZ is widely used as a marker to identify mature, myelinating Schwann cells in both healthy and diseased tissues. Its expression is also studied in inherited neuropathies, including Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, where MPZ mutations can affect myelin integrity.

Figure 3. Immunohistochemistry (Formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) - Anti-Myelin Protein Zero antibody [EPR20383] (ab183868).

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Myelin basic protein (MBP)

MBP, or myelin basic protein, is a key structural component of the myelin sheath produced by myelinating Schwann cells. It helps compact and stabilize the layers of myelin that insulate peripheral nerve axons. MBP expression is commonly used to identify mature Schwann cells during development and in nerve injury models. Its presence reflects active myelination, making it a valuable marker in studies of peripheral neuropathies and regenerative therapies targeting nerve repair.

Figure 4. Immunohistochemistry (Frozen sections) - Anti-Myelin Basic Protein antibody [EPR21188] (ab218011).

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EGR2

EGR2, also known as Krox-20, is a transcription factor expressed in myelinating Schwann cells. It regulates genes involved in the transition from immature to myelinating states, including MPZ and MBP. EGR2 activity is tightly controlled and works in coordination with cofactors like NAB proteins to support myelin gene expression. Its presence is widely used to identify Schwann cells engaged in active myelination and is studied in models of inherited neuropathies such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease.

Figure 5. Flow Cytometry (Intracellular) - Anti-EGR2 antibody [EPR23228-40] (ab245228).

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Non-myelinating Schwann cells

Non-myelinating Schwann cells support small-diameter axons without forming myelin. Markers such as GAP43, NCAM1, and NGFR help identify these cells and their functional states. GAP43 is linked to axonal growth and regeneration. NCAM1, a cell adhesion molecule, supports axon–glia interactions. NGFR, also known as p75NTR, is involved in neurotrophin signaling and is widely used to label immature and non-myelinating Schwann cells. These markers are valuable tools for studying peripheral nerve biology, especially in contexts of injury, repair, and disease.

GAP43

GAP43, or growth-associated protein 43, is a membrane-associated phosphoprotein expressed in Schwann cell precursors and non-myelinating Schwann cells. It plays a role in axonal growth, regeneration, and cellular plasticity. GAP43 is often used to identify Schwann cells in transitional or repair states, particularly following nerve injury. Its expression highlights dynamic changes in the peripheral nervous system and supports studies focused on regeneration, tumor diagnostics, and Schwann cell biology.

Figure 6. Immunohistochemistry (PFA fixed) - Anti-GAP43 antibody - Neuronal Marker (ab16053).

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NCAM1

NCAM1, or neural cell adhesion molecule 1, is a surface glycoprotein expressed by non-myelinating Schwann cells. It supports cell–cell interactions, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity. In the peripheral nervous system, NCAM1 helps maintain close contact between Schwann cells and unmyelinated axons. Its expression is often used to identify immature or repair Schwann cells, especially in models of nerve injury and regeneration. NCAM1 also plays a role in tumor biology and neural development.

Figure 7. Immunohistochemistry (Formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) - Anti-NCAM1 antibody [EP2567Y] (ab75813).

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NGFR

NGFR, also known as p75 neurotrophin receptor, is a transmembrane protein expressed by non-myelinating and immature Schwann cells. It plays a role in neurotrophin signaling, influencing cell survival, apoptosis, and nerve regeneration. NGFR is widely used to identify Schwann cells in early development or during repair after injury. Its expression is also observed in certain tumors and inflammatory conditions, making it a valuable marker in studies of peripheral nerve biology and disease.

Figure 8. Immunohistochemistry (Formalin/PFA-fixed paraffin-embedded sections) - Anti-p75 NGF Receptor antibody [EP1039Y] (ab52987).

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