In diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Nageotte nodules, formed by nonneuronal cells, are associated with widespread sensory neuron loss, suggesting a quarter of all sensory neurons may be dead in these patients. The nodules primarily consist of satellite glial cells and nonmyelinating Schwann cells expressing markers such as SOX10, osteopontin, and FABP7, with intertwined damaged axons showing signs of attempted regeneration. RNA sequencing revealed potential signaling between nodules and adjacent neurons, providing insights into the mechanisms of sensory neuron degeneration and indicating the possible role of support cells in disease progression.

Source: Nature Communications