MEP glia share molecular features with oligodendrocytes while maintaining a distinct hybrid signature

Motor Exit Point (MEP) glia are spinal cord-derived glial cells that myelinate peripheral motor axons, bridging the central and peripheral nervous systems. They have a hybrid profile, sharing features with oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. Yet, significant gaps remain in our understanding of complex MEP glial lineage and identity. MEP glia express neural tube and canonical oligodendrocyte lineage markers <i>olig2</i> and <i>nkx2.2a</i> , as well as the neural crest marker <i>foxd3</i> . Here, we show that the oligodendrocyte markers <i>olig1</i> and <i>plp1b</i> are not expressed in MEP glia. These findings refine the molecular signature of MEP glia, enhancing their peripheral identity.