Publications by authors named "B Zalc"
Myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds neuronal axons, is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). This evolutionary innovation, which first appears in jawed vertebrates, enabled rapid transmission of nerve impulses, more complex brains, and greater morphological diversity. Here, we report that RNA-level expression of RNLTR12-int, a retrotransposon of retroviral origin, is essential for myelination.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Microglia, an immune cell found exclusively within the CNS, initially develop from haematopoietic stem cell precursors in the yolk sac and colonise all regions of the CNS early in development. Microglia have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells in the CNS, as well as in myelination. Mertk is a receptor expressed on microglia that mediates immunoregulatory functions, including myelin efferocytosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExposure to persistent organic pollutants during the perinatal period is of particular concern because of the potential increased risk of neurological disorders in adulthood. Here we questioned whether exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) could alter myelin formation and regeneration. First, we show that PFOS, and to a lesser extent PFOA, accumulated into the myelin sheath of postnatal day 21 (p21) mice, whose mothers were exposed to either PFOA or PFOS (20 mg/L) via drinking water during late gestation and lactation, suggesting that accumulation of PFOS into the myelin could interfere with myelin formation and function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Progress has been made in managing inflammation in multiple sclerosis, but effective repair of demyelinated lesions remains a challenge, as many remyelination candidates have failed in clinical trials.
- A new transgenic model using Xenopus laevis allows for the assessment of spontaneous remyelination and its correlation with functional recovery, which is measured through swimming speed and behavior in response to virtual collisions.
- The study shows that successful remyelination, indicated by histological assessment, aligns with improved functional outcomes, suggesting that combining histopathological and functional evaluations could enhance the screening of potential remyelination therapies.
Article Synopsis
- The introduction of β-interferon and other immunomodulators has significantly improved the management of multiple sclerosis (MS), reducing relapses and enhancing quality of life, but long-term disability prevention remains a challenge.
- Recent research highlights the human brain's potential to self-repair demyelinated lesions, focusing on new mechanisms involved in the remyelination process, particularly the role of electrical activity and innate immune cells.
- The discovery of therapeutic targets for remyelination is paving the way for new treatments in MS, although these approaches are still in early trials and show varying degrees of effectiveness.