Schwann cells are the myelin-producing cells of the peripheral nervous system where they form the myelin sheath around axons. Their function is equivalent to that of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Schwann cell markers throughout development
Schwann cell stage | Suggested markers |
Schwann cell precursor | SOX10, GAP43, BLBP, MPZ, Dhh, P75NTR |
Myelinating Schwann cells | SOX10, S100, EGR2, MBP, MPZ |
Non myelinating Schwann cells | SOX10, GAP43, S100, NCAM, P75NTR |
Myelin protein zero (MPZ)
A structural component of the myelin sheath.
Rat Schwann cells stained with anti-myelin protein zero (ab31851).
NCAM
A glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, expressed by non-myelinating Schwann cells.
Zebrafish embryo stained with anti-NCAM (green) (ab9272).
GAP43
A cytoplasmic protein expressed by non-myelinating glia.
Rat spinal cord (ventral horn) stained with GAP43 (ab16053).
S100
Homodimeric protein that is often found in cells derived from the neural crest.
Rat Schwann cells stained with ab4066).
anti-S100 (P75NTR
The p75 NGF receptor (otherwise known as p75 neurotrophin receptor or p75NTR binds nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as neurotrophins 3 and 4.
PC12 cells stained with anti-p75 NGF antibody (ab52987).
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