The Translational Potential of Oligodendrogenesis-Based Therapies for the Recovery of Neurological Diseases

Oligodendrogenesis, the process by which oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) proliferate, migrate, and terminally differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) to myelinate axons, has been found to contribute to both brain development and functional recovery in brain diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes are not limited to functioning as myelinating cells, which may influence the efficacy of oligoden-drogenesis in improving functional recovery in neurological diseases. In this review, we first summarize the diverse biological roles of oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in normal and diseased brains, and the molecular mechanisms underlying oligodendrogenesis. Then, we discuss changes in the oligodendrocyte lineage in some representative neurological disorders, such as white matter injury, multiple sclerosis, aging, intracerebral hemorrhage, and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we propose the potential therapeutic application of promoting oligodendrogenesis to improve functional recovery in neurological diseases. Although these approaches have shown encouraging efficacy in preclinical animal models, substantial translational barriers-including model limitations, patient heterogeneity, and safety concerns-remain unresolved. Addressing these challenges will be essential to determine whether pro-oligodendrogenic therapies can ultimately contribute to functional recovery in human neurological diseases.