A meta-analysis of microarray-based gene expression studies of olfactory bulb-derived olfactory ensheathing cells

► This meta-analysis predicts a central role of specific molecules and pathways in the pro-regenerative properties of OB-OEC. ► Genes with a role in “growth of neurites”, “blood vessel development”, “migration of cells” and “immune response” are overrepresented in OB-OEC. ► Hub-genes were indentified that may function as key genes in the above mentioned interrelated processes. ► 7 genes with diverse but intriguing functions in (neural) tissue repair were detected in all five OB-OEC microarray datasets. ► The results of this meta-analysis can serve as a repository for future research on the molecular biology of OEC.