Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Myelin is an active ingredient in the plasticity of the brain

Myelin, in addition to facilitating the transmission of signals, actively participates in the plasticity of the brain, that is, in its ability to adapt. This is the conclusion reached by Marta Cimadevilla Fondevila and Carlos Matute Almau, researchers at the UPV/EHU, in the study published in the journal Trends in Molecular Medicine. This reinforces the paradigm shift that is taking place in the field of neuroscience: from myelin as a structural element to an active component of brain function.

Myelin is a structure that stores nerve fibers and allows the rapid transmission of signals in the brain. For decades, it has been considered a structural component responsible for accelerating nerve conduction. But recent research is showing that myelin was not a passive element; rather, it is a dynamic structure that responds to brain activity.

The researchers explain that myelin is one of the mechanisms that allow the brain to reorganize itself. It is actively involved in brain plasticity.

Research shows that neural signals actively control the organization and dynamics of myelin. Brain GPCR receptors link neural activity to myelin remodeling in the adult brain. GPCRs act as key sensors for several neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, acetylcholine and histamine. And the activation of these receptors causes the following cellular mechanisms: the formation of new myelin sheaths, the remodeling of existing ones and the functional adaptation of neural circuits. This mechanism directly links synaptic activity to structural changes in myelin and provides a molecular basis for adult brain plasticity.

Myelin is involved in many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, understanding how it is regulated opens up new therapeutic possibilities. In fact, researchers believe that GPCR signaling could be a strategic target for the modulation of myelin and the development of new therapies in neurological diseases.