Oligodendrocytes in central nervous system health and disease.

Oligodendrocytes actively support CNS function through metabolic provision, adaptive myelination, and repair, but become dysfunctional in aging and disease.

• Why it matters: Understanding oligodendrocyte roles is crucial because their dysfunction is linked to CNS aging and neurological diseases, yet their full contributions and heterogeneity remain unclear.
• What they did: The review synthesizes recent advances in oligodendrocyte development, homeostasis, aging, and disease, emphasizing their heterogeneity and potential as therapeutic targets.
• The result: This progress highlights the importance of further research into oligodendrocyte functions and heterogeneity to develop strategies for CNS health and disease intervention.