Myelin rejuvenation
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-06/asrc-ria060421.php
A new study has identified a molecule called ten-eleven-translocation 1 (TET1) to be a required component of myelin repair. Glial cells are highly responsive to external signals and injuries, they can detect changes in the nervous system and form new myelin, which wraps around nerves and provides metabolic support and accurate transmission of electrical signals. TET1 modifies the DNA in specific glial cells in adult brains so they can form new myelin in response to injury.
The study found TET1 in young adult mice were essential to promote a healthy dialogue among cells in the central nervous system and for guaranteeing proper function. In older mice the TET1 progressively declined, so that the DNA could no longer be properly modified to guarantee the formation of functional myelin. Impaired myelin formation has been reported in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases as one of the causes of their progressive clinical deterioration. It is hoped this study and future work could have implications for the recovery of cognitive and motor functions in older people and patients with neurodegenerative diseases.