Peripheral neuropathies present in up to 8 % of the elderly population. Defining the basic cellular mechanisms implicated is central to the design of novel therapies.
Similar to electrical wires, peripheral nerves get myelinated by Schwann cells, an essential process for normal nervous system function, repair and regeneration. Various acquired and inherited neuropathies emerge from a dysfunction in the myelination process. The growth of the myelin sheath is controlled, with the size and organisation being important determinants of nerve conduction velocity and myelin maintenance. However, the basic molecular mechanisms that contribute to longitudinal extension of the myelin sheath have not been defined.
Further details: Novel pathways in nerve myelin formation