Aging Schwann cells: mechanisms, implications, future directions.

The aging peripheral nervous system (PNS) is prone to a number of disorders, including the development of neuropathies and increased regenerative failure. Although the basic mechanisms of the aging PNS are still rather murky, recent work has revealed that 'old' Schwann cells acquire a number of dysfunctions in mammals. This review will assess our current knowledge about aging Schwann cells while emphasizing where gaps exist.