Oligodendrocytes modulate and maintain circuit function in the adult central nervous system

Within the central nervous system (CNS), cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage are critical regulators of circuit function. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) generate oligodendrocytes that elaborate myelin membrane to ensheath discrete axon segments, effectively reducing axonal capacitance and enabling the saltatory conduction of action potentials. However, their role in circuit regulation does not stop there. Herein, we detail the maturation of OPCs into pre-myelinating and myelinating oligodendrocytes and outline how each cell type can influence neural network construction, operation and plasticity to ensurehealthy CNS function.