Schwann cell precursors as a source for adrenal gland chromaffin cells

Schwann cells are cells defined by their intimate relationship with axons in the peripheral nervous system throughout development.1 Schwann cell precursors depict the earliest developmental stage of the Schwann cell lineage.2 Schwann cell precursors arise from migrating neural crest cells.3 During embryonic development, Schwann cell precursors migrate along peripheral neuronal axons to their final destinations.4 Compared to mature Schwann cells, Schwann cell precursors have an increased survival and migratory capacity.5 Although Schwann cell precursors were historically considered primed toward Schwann cell differentiation, as their name states; recent studies suggest that these cells may behave as progenitors of other cell types as well. Schwann cell precursors give rise to parasympathetic4, 5 and enteric neurons,2 melanocytes,3 endoneural fibroblasts, and odontoblasts.6 As the Schwann cell precursors escort growing nerves to nearly every organ during development, it is possible that their role as progenitors was downplayed in some unstudied tissues. Thus, whether Schwann cell precursors can differentiate into other cell types remains elusive