On July 13, 2009, the Journal of Cell Biology published a research article from the Institute of Neuroscience entitled "Ca²⁺ signaling evoked by activation of Na⁺ channels and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers is required for GABA-induced NG2 cell migration". This work was carried out by Xiao-ping Tong with other graduate students from the laboratory of Dr. Shumin Duan. The paper was highlighted in the ‘News in this issue’ section, with a short introduction entitled "Brain-repairing cells follow trail of GABA".

NG2 glial cells in the developing brain are known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells which generate oligodendrocytes to produce myelin in the brain. These cells constitute a significant population of glial cells in the adult brain and may play an important role in repairing brain injury. NG2 cells express voltage-gated Na⁺ channels, but fail to produce typical action potentials. The physiological role of Na⁺ channels in these cells is unclear. Using multiple approaches, Tong et al. were able to provide convincing evidence that activation of GABA_A receptors in NG2 cells increased intracellular Ca²⁺ through an unconventional pathway – activation of persistent Na⁺ channels and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers. This unique Ca²⁺ signaling pathway is further shown to be involved in GABA-induced chemotactic migration of NG2 cells. This Ca²⁺ entry through the non-inactivating Na⁺ channel and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger pathway in NG2 cells may be important for both physiological and pathological processes.