Dissecting myelination and demyelination at high resolution
Myelin sheet enables neurons to transmit information efficiently and it is critical for neuronal function and survival. Improper development of or damage to myelin is suggested to underlie many neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) and other leukodystrophies, and as a consequence of spinal cord injury, leading to disruption of electrical impulse conductivity, atrophy of neurons, and permanent functional deficits.
Our research focuses on the investigation of myelin and myelin formation to explore the dynamics of myelination, cellular mechanisms that lead to demyelination and the cause-and-effect-relationships between neurodegenerative diseases and perturbations to myelin. Besides unraveling the basic biology of myelin, we are particularly interested in translating this knowledge to the development of therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and to functional recovery of the nervous system following injury.