Oligodendrocyte Lineage Transcription Factor 2 (OLIG2)

Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. Its expression is predominantly restricted to the central nervous system. The protein is an essential regulator of ventral neuroectodermal progenitor cell fate.The OLIG2 gene was originally discovered as a chromosomal translocator t(14;21)(q11.2;q22) associated with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its chromosomal location is within a region of chromosome 21 which has been suggested to play a role in learning deficits associated with Down syndrome.OLIG2 is a universal marker of diffuse gliomas.Expressed in the brain, in oligodendrocytes. Strongly expressed in oligodendrogliomas, while expression is weak to moderate in astrocytomas. Expression in glioblastomas highly variable.