Oligodendrocyte development and myelin biogenesis: parsing out the roles of glycosphingolipids

Physiology (Bethesda). 2009 Oct:24:290-7. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00016.2009.

Abstract

The myelin sheath is an extension of the oligoddendrocyte (OL) plasma membrane enriched in lipids that ensheaths the axons of the central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we review the involvement of glycosphingolipids in myelin/OL functions, including the regulation of OL differentiation, lipid raft-mediated trafficking and signaling, and neuron-glia interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Glycosphingolipids / biosynthesis
  • Glycosphingolipids / genetics
  • Glycosphingolipids / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Microdomains / physiology
  • Myelin Sheath / physiology*
  • Neuroglia / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Oligodendroglia / physiology*

Substances

  • Glycosphingolipids