The multiple roles of myelin protein genes during the development of the oligodendrocyte.
It has become clear that the products of several of the earliest identified myelin protein genes perform functions that extend beyond the myelin sheath. Interestingly, these myelin proteins, which comprise proteolipid protein, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase and the classic and golli MBPs (myelin basic proteins), play important roles during different stages of oligodendroglial development. These non-myelin-related functions are varied and include roles in the regulation of process outgrowth, migration, RNA transport, oligodendrocyte survival and ion channel modulation. However, despite the wide variety of cellular functions performed by the different myelin genes, the route by which they achieve these many functions seems to converge upon a common mechanism involving Ca(2+) regulation, cytoskeletal rearrangements and signal transduction. In the present review, the newly emerging functions of these myelin proteins will be described, and these will then be discussed in the context of their contribution to oligodendroglial development.
Fulton
Daniel
D
Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Paez
Pablo M
PM
Campagnoni
Anthony T
AT
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009185:Myelin Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D020033:Protein Isoforms