The Quest for Remyelination: A New Role for Neurotrophins and Their Receptors

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Brain Pathology

Volume 16 Page 288 - October 2006

Volume 16 Issue 4

The Quest for Remyelination: A New Role for Neurotrophins and Their

Receptors

Sheila S. Rosenberg ; K. Ng ; Jonah R. Chan

The formation of myelin is dependent on a reciprocal and intimate

relationship between neurons and the myelin-forming glia. Recently,

the neurotrophin family of growth factors has been shown to regulate

the complex cell–cell interactions that control myelination.

Neurotrophins and their receptors influence myelin formation via two

distinct mechanisms, either by acting on the neurons, changing the

axonal signals that control myelination, or by acting directly on

the myelin-forming glia. In this review, we will discuss research

highlighting the ability of neurotrophins to both promote and

inhibit the myelination process.

As reflected in the work presented here, these effects are dependent

on a delicate balance of which neurotrophins are expressed, and what

receptors are activated. Additionally, we examine an emerging model

in which the growth factors that promote the early survival and

differentiation of particular sets of neurons later play important

roles as key regulators in glial development. Characterizing the

temporal expression and the cellular targets of neurotrophins, both

during development and after injury, represents a pivotal step in

developing a greater understanding of the myelination process,

contributing to the development of effective treatments for

demyelinating conditions.

We conclude this review by discussing the potential for

neurotrophins as therapeutics in the quest for remyelination.