Myelin in the Central Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Pathology

Oligodendrocytes generate multiple layers of myelin membrane around axons of the central nervous system to enable fast and efficient nerve conduction. Until recently, saltatory nerve conduction was considered the only purpose of myelin, but it is now clear that myelin has more functions. In fact, myelinating oligodendrocytes are embedded in a vast network of interconnected glial and neuronal cells, and increasing evidence supports an active role of oligodendrocytes within this assembly, for example, by providing metabolic support to neurons, by regulating ion and water homeostasis, and by adapting to activity-dependent neuronal signals. The molecular complexity governing these interactions requires an in-depth…

• NM
  National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• UG
  Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
• DM
  Deutschen Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft
• NM
  Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur