Olfactory ensheathing cells Biology in neural development and regeneration

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) constitute a unique population of glia that accompany and ensheath the primary olfactory axons They are thought to be critical for spontaneous growth of olfactory axons within the developing and adult olfactory nervous system and have recently emerged as potential candidates for cell-mediated repair of neural injuries Here based on the current research we give an overview of the biology of OECs in neural development and regeneration This review starts with a detailed description of the cellular and molecular biological properties of OECs Their functions in olfactory neurogenesis olfactory axonal growth and olfactory bulb formation are sequently discussed We also describe therapeutic applications of OECs for the treatment of a variety of neural lesions including spinal cord injury stroke degenerative diseases and PNS injuries Finally we address issues that may foster a better understanding of OECs in neural development and regeneration (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved