Wnt signaling in remyelination in multiple sclerosis: friend or foe?

Mol Neurobiol. 2014 Jun;49(3):1117-25. doi: 10.1007/s12035-013-8584-6. Epub 2013 Nov 16.

Abstract

Myelination is critical to normal functioning of the vertebrate nervous system. In demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells in the central nervous system, are targeted, resulting in myelin loss, axonal damage, and severe functional impairment. While spontaneous remyelination has been proven a failure in multiple sclerosis, understanding the molecular mechanism underlying oligodendrocyte biology, myelination, and remyelination becomes crucial. To date, a series of signaling pathways in regulating oligodendrocyte development and remyelination have been suggested and, among them, the Wnt/β-catenin/Tcf pathway has been considered a negative factor in the myelinating process. However, this notion has been challenged by recent studies, which showed a pro-myelinating effect of this pathway. This review summarizes the current contradictory concepts concerning the role of the Wnt pathway in the oligodendrocyte development and remyelination process, attempts to address the potential mechanism underlying this controversy, and recommends caution in targeting the Wnt pathway as a potential demyelinating therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / physiology*