OLIG2, also named as BHLHB1, BHLHE19, PRKCBP2 and RACK17, is required for oligodendrocyte and motor neuron specification in the spinal cord, as well as for the development of somatic motor neurons in the hindbrain. Cooperates with OLIG1, OLIG2 establish the pMN domain of the embryonic neural tube. Antagonist of V2 interneuron and of NKX2-2-induced V3 interneuron development. OLIG2 is widely expressed in subsets of glia cells and progenitors, and it is strongly induced at different sites by both acute and chronic injury, albeit with different mechanisms. OLIG2 acts as a repressor of neurogenesis in cells reacting to brain injury. It may represent an effective approach towards evoking neuronal repair from parenchymal precursors.(PMID:19390819 )