Epigenetic Control of Schwann Cells

The journey of Schwann cells from their origin in the neural crest to their ensheathment and myelination of peripheral nerves is a remarkable one. Their apparent static function in enabling saltatory conduction of mature nerve is not only vital for long-term health of peripheral nerve but also belies an innate capacity of terminally differentiated Schwann cells to radically alter their differentiation status in the face of nerve injury. The transition from migrating neural crest cells to nerve ensheathment, and then myelination of large diameter axons has been characterized extensively and several of the transcriptional networks have been identified. However, transcription factors must also modify chromatin structure during Schwann cell maturation and this review will focus on chromatin modification machinery that is involved in promoting the transition to, and maintenance of, myelinating Schwann cells. In addition, Schwann cells are known to play important regenerative roles after peripheral nerve injury, and information on epigenomic reprogramming of the Schwann cell genome has emerged. Characterization of epigenomic requirements for myelin maintenance and Schwann cell responses to injury will be vital in understanding how the various Schwann cell functions can be optimized to maintain and repair peripheral nerve function.