N-Wasp Regulates Oligodendrocyte Myelination
Christina Katanov, Nurit Novak, Anya Vainshtein, Ofra Golani, Jeffery L. Dupree, Elior Peles
Abstract
Myelin is critical for the normal function of the nervous system by facilitating fast conduction of action potentials. During the process of myelination in the CNS, oligodendrocytes undergo extensive morphological changes that involve cellular process extension and retraction, axonal ensheathment, and myelin membrane wrapping. Here we present evidence that N-Wasp, a protein regulating actin filament assembly through Arp2/3 complex-dependent actin nucleation, plays a critical role in CNS myelination, and its absence leads to several myelin abnormalities. Our data provide an important step into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CNS myelination.