Research: clearing up myelin debris

Epub: Fernandez-Castaneda et al. Identification of the LDL Receptor-Related Protein-1 Interactome in Central Nervous System myelin suggests a role in the clearance of necrotic cell debris. J Biol Chem. 2012 Dec 

In the central nervous system (CNS), fast neuronal signals are facilitated by the oligodendrocyte-produced myelin sheath. Oligodendrocyte turnover or injury generates myelin debris that is usually promptly cleared by phagocytic cells. Failure to remove dying oligodendrocytes leads to accumulation of degraded myelin, which, if recognized by the immune system, may contribute to the development of autoimmunity in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We recently identified low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) as a novel phagocytic receptor for myelin debris. Here, we report characterization of the LRP1 interactome in CNS myelin. Fusion proteins were designed corresponding to the extracellular ligand-binding domains of LRP1. LRP1 partners were isolated by affinity purification and characterized by mass spectrometry. We report that LRP1 binds intracellular proteins via its extracellular domain, and functions as a receptor for necrotic (dead and dying) cells. Peptidyl arginine deiminase-2 (PAD2) and cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNP) are novel LRP1 ligands identified in our screen, which interact with full-length LRP1. Furthermore, the extracellular domain of LRP1 is a target of PAD2-mediated deimination in vitro. We propose that LRP1 functions as a receptor for endocytosis of intracellular components released during cellular damage and necrosis.

Epub: Skripuletz et al. Astrocytes regulate myelin clearance through recruitment of microglia during cuprizone-induced demyelination. Brain. 2012 Dec.

Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes play an important role in regulating de- and remyelination in multiple sclerosis. The role of astrocytes is controversial, and both beneficial as well as detrimental effects are being discussed. We performed loss-of-function studies based on astrocyte depletion in a cuprizone-induced rodent model of demyelination. This led to strong astrogliosis accompanied by microgliosis and demyelination in C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Ablation of astrocytes in glial fibrillary acidic protein-thymidine kinase transgenic mice was associated with a failure of damaged myelin removal and a consecutive delay in remyelination. Despite oligodendrocyte death, myelin was still present, but ultrastructual investigations showed that the myelin structure was loosened and this damaged myelin did not protect axons. These alterations were associated with a decrease in microglial activation. Thus, our results show that astrocyte loss does not prevent myelin damage, but clearance of damaged myelin through recruitment of microglia is impaired. Further studies suggest that this process is regulated by the chemokine CXCL10. As a consequence of the delayed removal of myelin debris, remyelination and oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation were impaired. Experiments omitting the influence of myelin debris demonstrated an additional beneficial effect of astrocytes on oligodendrocyte regeneration during remyelination. In conclusion, these data demonstrate for the first time in vivo that astrocytes provide the signal environment that forms the basis for the recruitment of microglia to clear myelin debris, a process required for subsequent repair mechanisms. This is of great importance to understanding regenerative processes in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.




Following demyelinating attack, removal of myelin debris is vital for repair to occur. Whilst we know that microglia, (phagocytic/engulfing cells or the Hoovers or vacuum cleaners of the brain) are involved in clearing up the myelin and to do this they use the LRP1 which binds to bits in myelin such as CNPase. However it appears that it is the astrocytes that are also vital for helping in the clear up.

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