TSC Regulates Oligodendroglial Differentiation and Myelination in the CNS

摘要

The basis of the proposed research is to investigate a novel idea that some of the underlying cause of brain abnormalities in TSC is due to disruption of the oligodendrocytes and production of the myelin wrapping; this in turn leads to alterations in the neurons and their ability to signal properly to other neurons. Proper communication between the oligodendrocytes and the axons is necessary for normal brain development. The oligodendrocytes receive signals from the axons to initiate myelination and to wrap the axon properly. In turn, the formation of the myelin wrapping allows communication between neurons and refinement of neuronal and brain function during development. Data accumulating from these studies indicate that disruption of TSC in primary rat oligodendrocyte progenitors in vitro alters the differentiation and myelination program in these cells. The altered development of the myelin-producing cells may interfere with the ability of the neurons to develop and function normally.