Mechanisms of myelin misregulation and neuronal dysfunction in demyelinating diseases

Axon myelination in peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS, respectively) neurons is essential to facilitate the propagation of electrical signals and to support axonal metabolism. This process requires formation of an appropriate number of myelinating cells (oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS), their migration to target axons, the axonal wrapping by their extended membranes, and the active transport of myelin membrane components. As an essential axon component, conditions that result in damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers result in a broad spectrum of demyelinating diseases. These conditions represent a variety of diseases characterized by damage to axons and glial cells, oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells, of the CNS or PNS, respectively. Although the incidence of these diseases is variable, they greatly impact patient’s quality of life and represent strong economic and health concerns for society.



Although a substantially increased knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenic mis-regulation of myelination and neuronal dysfunction in demyelinating diseases has been depicted over the last years, the mechanisms behind neuronal degeneration and loss in these pathological conditions remain largely unknown. The problem of these pathologies is even more fundamental, as the available therapies remain fairly limited and mainly focusing on symptoms relief. Thus, knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenic mis-regulation of myelination and neuronal dysfunction in demyelinating diseases, will improve our understanding of the disease pathways, and uncover potential therapeutic targets to preserve or even restore neuronal function in such conditions.



In this research topic on demyelinating diseases, we plan to provide a more deep understanding on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenic mis-regulation of myelination and neuronal dysfunction in demyelinating diseases. The themes to be addressed include:

- Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the demyelination and their link to disease;

- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal dyshomeostasis/dysfunction in demyelinating diseases;

- Axonal transport and inflammatory demyelination;

- Genetic predictors in demyelinating diseases;

- Novel therapeutic strategies for demyelinating diseases and underlying mechanisms;

- How toxicant exposure can accelerate the onset of demyelinating diseases;

- New methods and models to mechanistically explore demyelinating diseases.

Thus, we are interested in multiple article types, including original research (new evidence) articles, works describing new/optimized methodologies to probe neuronal (dys)function under such conditions, review works, reports, case reports, commentaries or even opinions that relate to this research topic.