Myelinogenesis

[5] The oligodendrocyte lineage can be further classified into four stages based on their relation to the onset of myelination:[6] Myelinogenesis thus encompasses the process of transition between phases 3 and 4.

[6] Upon initiation of myelinogenesis, each pioneer process forms lamellar extensions which extend and elaborate circumferentially around the target axon.

[9] The basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor OLIG1 plays an integral role in the process of oligodendrocyte myelinogenesis by regulating expression of myelin-related genes.

[11] A similar study working to provide evidence for neuronal regulation of myelinogenesis suggested that myelin formation was due to Schwann cells that were controlled by an undefined property of an associated axon.

The process and mechanistic function of myelinogenesis has traditionally been studied using ultrastructure and biochemical techniques in rat optic nerves.

The implementation of this method of study has long allowed for experimental observation of myelinogenesis in a model organism nerve that consists entirely of unmyelinated axons.

[14] One early study showed that in the developing rat optic nerves, formation of oligodendrocytes and subsequent myelination occurs postnatal.

In the second week postnatal, oligodendrocyte formation slowed – at this point, 15% of axons have been myelinated – however, myelinogenesis continued to rapidly increase.

[14] In conclusion, the early phase of myelination was correlated with the increases synthesis of lipids, cholesterol, cerebroside, and sulfatide.

Because myelin forms an electrically insulating layer that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, any demyelinating disease can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

[16] Although research is being conducted on protecting oligodendrocytes and promoting remyelination in MS,[17] current therapies mainly address the role of the immune system in demyelination.

[18] Another researcher, Paul Flechsig spent most of his career studying and publishing the details of the process in the cerebral cortex of humans.