Lipids in regulating oligodendrocyte structure and function
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Author / Producer
Date
2021-04
Publication Type
Review Article
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yes
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Abstract
Oligodendrocytes enwrap central nervous system axons with myelin, a lipid enriched highly organized multi-layer membrane structure that allows for fast long-distance saltatory conduction of neuronal impulses. Myelin has an extremely high lipid content (∼80 % of its dry weight) and a peculiar lipid composition, with a 2:2:1 cholesterol:phospholipid:glycolipid ratio. Inherited neurodegenerative diseases of the lipids (caused by mutations in lipogenic enzymes) often present oligodendrocyte and/or myelin defects which contribute to the overall disease pathophysiology. These phenomena triggered an increasing number of studies over the functions lipid exert to shape and maintain myelin, and brought to the finding that lipids are more than only structural building blocks. They act as signaling molecules to drive proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, as well as proliferation of premyelinating oligodendrocytes, and their maturation into myelinating ones. Here, we summarize key findings in these areas, while presenting the main related human diseases. Despite many advances in the field, various questions remain open which we briefly discuss. This article is part of a special issue entitled “Role of Lipids in CNS Cell Physiology and Pathology”.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
112
Pages / Article No.
114 - 122
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
CNS; Oligodendrocyte; Myelin; Lipid; Cholesterol; Fatty acid
Organisational unit
02539 - Institut für Molecular Health Sciences / Institute of Molecular Health Sciences
Notes
Funding
139610 - Assessing demyelination-induced neuroplasticity in the central nervous system (SNF)