The role of myelin and oligodendrocytes in axonal energy metabolism
Current opinion in neurobiology, 2013•Elsevier
Highlights•Myelin is an insulator that can shield long axons from rapid access to
metabolites.•Oligodendrocytes can 'feed'axons with glycolysis products such as
lactate.•Loss of monocarboxylate transporters from oligodendrocytes causes axonopathy.•
Oligodendrocyte dysfunction has been associated with ALS.In vertebrates, the myelination
of long axons by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells enables rapid impulse propagation.
However, myelin sheaths are not only passive insulators. Oligodendrocytes are also known …
metabolites.•Oligodendrocytes can 'feed'axons with glycolysis products such as
lactate.•Loss of monocarboxylate transporters from oligodendrocytes causes axonopathy.•
Oligodendrocyte dysfunction has been associated with ALS.In vertebrates, the myelination
of long axons by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells enables rapid impulse propagation.
However, myelin sheaths are not only passive insulators. Oligodendrocytes are also known …
Highlights
- Myelin is an insulator that can shield long axons from rapid access to metabolites.
- Oligodendrocytes can ‘feed’axons with glycolysis products such as lactate.
- Loss of monocarboxylate transporters from oligodendrocytes causes axonopathy.
- Oligodendrocyte dysfunction has been associated with ALS.
In vertebrates, the myelination of long axons by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells enables rapid impulse propagation. However, myelin sheaths are not only passive insulators. Oligodendrocytes are also known to support axonal functions and long-term integrity. Some of the underlying mechanisms have now been identified. It could be shown that oligodendrocytes can survive in vivo by aerobic glycolysis. Myelinating oligodendrocytes release lactate through the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1. Lactate is then utilized by axons for mitochondrial ATP generation. Studying axo-glial signalling and energy metabolism will lead to a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, in which axonal energy metabolism fails. These include neurological disorders as diverse as multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Elsevier
