On the biogenesis of myelin membranes: sorting, trafficking and cell polarity.
In the central nervous system, a multilayered membrane layer known as the myelin sheath enwraps axons, and is required for optimal saltatory signal conductance. The sheath develops from membrane processes that extend from the plasma membrane of oligodendrocytes and displays a unique lipid and protein composition. Myelin biogenesis is carefully regulated, and multiple transport pathways involving a variety of endosomal compartments are involved. Here we briefly summarize how the major myelin proteins proteolipid protein and myelin basic protein reach the sheath, and highlight potential mechanisms involved, including the role of myelin specific lipids and cell polarity related transport pathways.
Baron
Wia
W
Department of Cell Biology, Section Membrane Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. w.baron@med.umcg.nl
Hoekstra
Dick
D
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D021962:Membrane Microdomains / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology