Activity-dependent central nervous system myelination throughout life

Omar de Faria, David G. Gonsalvez, Madeline Nicholson, Junhua Xiao

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Myelin, the multilayered membrane surrounding many axons in the nervous system, increases the speed by which electrical signals travel along axons and facilitates neuronal communication between distant regions of the nervous system. However, how neuronal signals influence the myelinating process in the CNS is still largely unclear. Recent studies have significantly advanced this understanding, identifying important roles for neuronal activity in controlling oligodendrocyte development and their capacity of producing myelin in both developing and mature CNS. Here, we review these recent advances, and discuss potential mechanisms underpinning activity-dependent myelination and how remyelination may be stimulated via manipulating axonal activity, raising new questions for future research. (Figure presented.).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)447-461
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Neurochemistry
Volume148
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CNS
  • myelination
  • neuronal activity
  • neurotransmission
  • oligodendrocyte
  • OPC

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