Abstract
Myelin is critical for the proper function of the nervous system and one of the most complex cell–cell interactions of the body. Myelination allows for the rapid conduction of action potentials along axonal fibers and provides physical and trophic support to neurons. Myelin contains a high content of lipids, and the formation of the myelin sheath requires high levels of fatty acid and lipid synthesis, together with uptake of extracellular fatty acids. Recent studies have further advanced our understanding of the metabolism and functions of myelin fatty acids and lipids. In this review, we present an overview of the basic biology of myelin lipids and recent insights on the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and functions in myelinating cells. In addition, this review may serve to provide a foundation for future research characterizing the role of fatty acids and lipids in myelin biology and metabolic disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system.
Highlights
Myelin is a specialized multilamellar membrane consisting of 40 or more tightly wrapped lipid bilayers [1]
The deposition of compact myelin in a spiraling pattern around an axon generates two morphological features that can be observed by electron microscopy, (1) the major dense line (MDL), which is the tight apposition of the cytoplasmic leaflets, and (2) the intraperiod line (IPL), which is the apposition of the extracellular leaflets (Figure 1)
Myelin is made by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Summary
Myelin is a specialized multilamellar membrane consisting of 40 or more tightly wrapped lipid bilayers [1]. CNS myelination in rodents, the myelin sheath expands at a rate 5 × 103 – 5 × 104 μm2 /cell/day (15 to 150 times faster than a normal cell body membrane extension). Recent reviews have provided updates on the genes, proteins, and molecular signals controlling myelination both in the PNS and CNS [5,6,7]. 9, 812 on the genes, proteins, and molecular signals controlling myelination both in the PNS and CNS [5,6,7]. Theand major dense line (MDL),of respectively (ii,bilayer iii). Thethat myelin the intraperiodic (IPL) and the dense line respectively iii).asymmetrically. P0, PMP2 proteins and the (Galc, cyan), Plasmalogen (PE, yellow), Phosphatidylcholine (PC, dark blue), enrichment of sphingomyelin in the myelin are specific to PNS myelin. P0, PMP2 proteins and the enrichment sphingomyelin in thein myelin are specific to PNS myelin
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