OLIG2 (Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2) is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor critical in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a pivotal role in specifying oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and motor neurons during embryogenesis. In adults, OLIG2 remains active in maintaining OPC populations and promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation, essential for myelination. Dysregulation of OLIG2 is implicated in neurological disorders, including gliomas, where its overexpression is a hallmark of oligodendrogliomas and other gliomas with oligodendroglial features.
OLIG2 antibodies are widely used in research and diagnostics to identify oligodendroglial lineage cells in CNS tissues. These antibodies help distinguish oligodendrogliomas from astrocytomas in neuropathology, as OLIG2 expression is typically retained in the former but reduced in the latter. Commercially available OLIG2 antibodies (e.g., monoclonal clones like 211F1.1) target specific epitopes, enabling reliable detection via immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence (IF). However, staining interpretation requires caution, as OLIG2 may also label reactive glia or neuronal subtypes in certain contexts.
Recent studies explore OLIG2's role in tumorigenesis, particularly its interaction with IDH mutations, and its potential as a therapeutic target. Its antibody-based detection remains a cornerstone in neuro-oncology and developmental biology research.