Abstract
Myelin is heavily enriched in lipids (comprising approximately 70% of its dry weight), and the amount of cholesterol and glycolipids is higher than in any other cell membrane. Galactocerebroside (GalC) and its sulfated form, sulfatide, comprise the major glycolipid components of myelin. Their functional significance has been extensively studied using membrane models, cell culture, and in vivo experiments in which either GalC/sulfatide or sulfatide is deficient. From these studies, GalC and sulfatide have been distinctly localized within oligodendrocytes and their specific function in myelin has been elucidated. Here, the function of sulfatide in axo-glial interactions in myelin-forming cells as well as within myelin and its potential mechanisms of action are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have