Cited by 51Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchMultiple Sclerosis Research StudiesNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

The axo-myelinic synapse

Stys, Peter K.·2011·Trends in Neurosciences

Abstract

Axons have evolved to acquire myelination, enabling denser packing and speedier transmission. Although myelin is considered a passive insulator, recent reports suggest a more dynamic role. Axons, in turn, are endowed with neurotransmitter release and uptake systems along their trunks. Based on these observations, I argue that there may exist a new type of chemical synapse between axon and myelin, one that supports activity-dependent communication between the two. This raises intriguing possibilities of dynamic fine-tuning of the myelin sheath even in adulthood, efficient recruitment of resources for myelin maintenance and bi-directional signaling, whereby the axon informs its myelinating cell of its metabolic needs proportionally to the electrical traffic it is transmitting. This would also have implications for de- and dysmyelinating diseases should this axo-myelinic synapse become dysfunctional.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.tins.2011.06.004

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Authors
Stys, P. K.
Affiliations
University of Calgary (CA)
Corresponding author
Stys, Peter K.
Venue
Trends in Neurosciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2011-08
Volume
34
Issue
8
Pages
393-400
ISSN
0166-2236 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1964610585
Cited by
51
References
115
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 10
FWCI
0.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Trends in Neurosciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
myelination, myelin sheath, axons, neurotransmitter release, neurotransmitter uptake, activity-dependent signaling, myelin maintenance, bidirectional signaling, demyelinating disease, myelinated axons
MeSH terms
Animals, Axons, Demyelinating Diseases, Humans, Myelin Sheath, Synapses, Receptors, Neurotransmitter

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