AI Article Synopsis
- Myelin is crucial for proper impulse conduction and continues to develop into early adulthood, with its formation linked to cognitive development and regulated by electrical activity.
- Astrocytes, although nonneuronal and not responsible for myelination, can enhance this process through poorly understood mechanisms.
- The study identifies a specific link where astrocytes release the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in response to axonal activity, promoting myelination and suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for demyelinating conditions.
Article Abstract
Myelin, the insulating layers of membrane wrapped around axons by oligodendrocytes, is essential for normal impulse conduction. It forms during late stages of fetal development but continues into early adult life. Myelination correlates with cognitive development and can be regulated by impulse activity through unknown molecular mechanisms. Astrocytes do not form myelin, but these nonneuronal cells can promote myelination in ways that are not understood. Here, we identify a link between myelination, astrocytes, and electrical impulse activity in axons that is mediated by the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). These findings show that LIF is released by astrocytes in response to ATP liberated from axons firing action potentials, and LIF promotes myelination by mature oligodendrocytes. This activity-dependent mechanism promoting myelination could regulate myelination according to functional activity or environmental experience and may offer new approaches to treating demyelinating diseases.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474838 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2006.02.006 | DOI Listing |
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