Abstract
Calcium signaling has essential roles in the development of the nervous system, from neural induction to the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of both neuronal and glia cells. The temporal and spatial dynamics of Ca(2+) signals control the highly diverse yet specific transcriptional programs that establish the complex structures of the nervous system. Ca(2+)-signaling pathways are shaped by interactions among metabotropic signaling cascades, ion channels, intracellular Ca(2+) stores, and a multitude of downstream effector proteins that activate specific genetic programs. Progress in the last decade has led to significant advances in our understanding of the functional architecture of Ca(2+) signaling networks involved in oligodendrocyte development. In this review, we summarize the molecular and functional organizations of Ca(2+)-signaling networks during the differentiation of oligodendrocyte, especially its impact on myelin gene expression, proliferation, migration, and myelination. Importantly, the existence of multiple routes of Ca(2+) influx opens the possibility that the activity of calcium channels can be manipulated pharmacologically to encourage oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination after demyelinating episodes in the brain.