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Preparation and Immunostaining of Myelinating Organotypic Cerebellar Slice Cultures
Published on: March 20, 2019
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Neuroglial interactions underpinning myelin plasticity.
Omar de Faria1, Ewa Anastazia Claudia Pama1, Kimberley Evans1
1Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute & Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Developmental Neurobiology
|September 24, 2017
Summary
Myelin plasticity, changes in myelin sheath structure and formation, is a newly recognized factor influencing neural network function. This review explores evidence for adult central nervous system (CNS) myelin plasticity and its regulation by neuronal activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) plasticity traditionally focuses on neuronal synapses.
- Myelin plasticity, involving changes in myelin sheath structure and formation, is an emerging area of research.
- Myelin's role in modulating neuronal network function is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence for myelin plasticity in the adult CNS.
- To highlight potential mechanisms by which neuronal activity regulates myelin changes.
- To explore parallels between neuronal plasticity and myelin plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CNS myelin plasticity.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking neuronal activity to myelin dynamics.
- Comparative analysis of neuronal and myelin plasticity.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests myelin undergoes plastic changes in the adult CNS.
- Neuronal activity is a potential regulator of myelin plasticity.
- Similarities exist between the adaptive mechanisms of neurons and myelin.
Conclusions:
- Myelin plasticity represents a significant, yet understudied, component of neural network adaptability.
- Understanding myelin plasticity mechanisms is crucial for comprehending CNS function and response to environmental changes.
- Further research into myelin plasticity could reveal novel therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
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