Epigenetic regulation of myelination in health and disease

Myelin is lipid-rich structure that is necessary to avoid leakage of electric signals and to ensure saltatory impulse conduction along axons. Oligodendrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) and Schwann cells in peripheral nervous system (PNS) are responsible for myelin formation. Axonal demyelination after injury or diseases greatly impairs normal nervous system function. Therefore, understanding how the myelination process is programmed, coordinated, and maintained is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for remyelination in the nervous system. Epigenetic mechanisms have been recognized as a fundamental contributor in this process. In recent years, histone modification, DNA modification, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA modulation are very active area of investigation. We will present a conceptual framework that integrates crucial epigenetic mechanisms with the regulation of oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell lineage progression during development and myelin degeneration in pathological conditions. It is anticipated that a refined understanding of the molecular basis of myelination will aid in the development of treatment strategies for debilitating disorders that involve demyelination, such as multiple sclerosis in the CNS and neuropathies in the PNS.