Abstract
Myelination is essential for signal processing within neural networks. Emerging data suggest that neuronal activity positively instructs myelin development and myelin adaptation during adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms controlling activity-dependent myelination have not been fully elucidated. Myelination is a multi-step process that involves the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells followed by the initial contact and ensheathment of axons by mature oligodendrocytes. Conventional end-point studies rarely capture the dynamic interaction between neurons and oligodendrocyte lineage cells spanning such a long temporal window. Given that such interactions and downstream signaling cascades are likely to occur within fine cellular processes of oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells, overcoming spatial resolution limitations represents another technical hurdle in the field. In this mini-review, we discuss how advanced genetic, cutting-edge imaging, and electrophysiological approaches enable us to investigate neuron-oligodendrocyte lineage cell interaction and myelination with both temporal and spatial precision.
Highlights
Myelination refers to the process of wrapping axons with compact layers of the plasma membrane, and it occurs primarily postnatally (Foran and Peterson, 1992; Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001; Nishiyama et al, 2009)
Confocal time-lapse imaging studies have demonstrated that cellular processes of oligodendrocyte lineage cells actively contact and form initial ensheathment with axons, but the stabilization and elongation of formed myelin sheaths are regulated by neuronal activity (Hines et al, 2015; Mensch et al, 2015; Koudelka et al, 2016)
oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) processes are not equipped with spine structures that clearly indicate the clustering of AMPA receptors, we demonstrated that AMPA receptors are expressed along the process (Sun et al, 2016)
Summary
Myelination refers to the process of wrapping axons with compact layers of the plasma membrane, and it occurs primarily postnatally (Foran and Peterson, 1992; Baumann and Pham-Dinh, 2001; Nishiyama et al, 2009). Novel genetic mouse models that silence or overexpress different postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors in oligodendrocyte lineage cells can manipulate neuron-OPC synaptic transmission without interfering with neuron-neuron communication, thereby providing in-depth insights into the functional implications of these neuron-OPC synapses.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
