Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) into myelination-capable mature oligodendrocytes is essential for proper function of the central nervous system. OPCs are tissue-resident stem cells that populate all regions of the central nervous system and exist beyond development into adulthood. Disorders that lead to disruption of this critical cell state change cause devastating myelin diseases that are often associated with shortened life span. Recent findings have also provided support for a newly appreciated contribution of perturbed OPC differentiation to neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. These findings emphasize the need for a more complete understanding of OPC differentiation in health and disease. Here, we review recent molecular and functional findings revealing new roles of OPCs. It is our hope that this review provides readers with an enticing snapshot of current OPC research and highlights the potential of controlling OPC fate and function to treat diseases of the brain.

少突胶质祖细胞 (OPC) 分化为具有髓鞘形成能力的成熟少突胶质细胞对于中枢神经系统的正常功能至关重要。OPC 是存在于中枢神经系统所有区域的组织驻留干细胞，存在于发育至成年期之后。导致这种关键细胞状态变化中断的疾病会导致破坏性的髓鞘疾病，这些疾病通常与寿命缩短有关。最近的研究结果也支持了一种新的认识，即扰乱的 OPC 分化对神经退行性疾病和精神疾病的贡献。这些发现强调需要更全面地了解 OPC 在健康和疾病中的分化。在这里，我们回顾了最近揭示 OPC 新作用的分子和功能发现。