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The oligodendroglia cytoskeleton in health and disease
1Department of Biology, Molecular Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, Germany. Christiane.Richter.Landsberg@UNI-Oldenburg.DE
Abstract:
Oligodendrocytes have a high rate of synthetic activity and produce vast amounts of myelin. The membrane production requires specific sorting and transport processes and structural support. In culture, oligodendrocytes extend flat membranous sheets containing an extensive cytoskeletal network of microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments (MFs). The microtubules participate in the elaboration and stabilization of the myelin-containing cellular processes and have an impact not only on the complex oligodendroglia architecture but also influence their functions. They participate in intracellular sorting processes and the translocation of myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNAs to the forming myelin sheath. The two major groups of neuronal microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), MAP2 and tau are expressed in oligodendrocytes and might be involved in the regulation of MT stability and organization. Myelin-specific proteins, such as MBP and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP), interact with the cytoskeleton. Glial changes occur in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, and glial fibrillary tangles and glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCls), containing abnormal microtubular structures which stain positively for stress proteins and microtubule-associated proteins, are found in oligodendrocytes of the affected brains. The role of MTs and their associated proteins in oligodendrocytes during normal development and pathological situations is specifically emphasized in this review.
Insights
Oligodendrocytes rely on microtubules for myelin production and cellular structure. Disruptions in these microtubule-associated proteins are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their critical role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oligodendrocytes synthesize large amounts of myelin, requiring extensive membrane production, transport, and structural support.
- In vitro, oligodendrocytes form membranous sheets with robust microtubule (MT) and microfilament (MF) networks.
- MTs are crucial for myelin-containing process elaboration, stabilization, and intracellular sorting, including myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA translocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microtubules and associated proteins in oligodendrocytes.
- To emphasize the involvement of MTs in both normal development and pathological conditions of oligodendrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton and associated proteins.
- Analysis of studies investigating microtubule dynamics and interactions with myelin components.
- Examination of evidence linking cytoskeletal abnormalities to neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Results:
- Neuronal microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), such as MAP2 and tau, are expressed in oligodendrocytes and may regulate MT stability.
- Myelin proteins like MBP and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP) interact with the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton.
- Abnormal microtubular structures, positive for stress and microtubule-associated proteins, are observed in oligodendrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., glial fibrillary tangles, GCls).
Conclusions:
- Microtubules and their associated proteins are integral to oligodendrocyte structure, function, and myelin production.
- Dysregulation of the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton, particularly MTs, is a significant factor in neurodegenerative pathologies.
- Further research into MT-associated proteins in oligodendrocytes could reveal therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.