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Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B 2025 Vol.26 No.4 P.303-316

http://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2300776


Structure of myelin in the central nervous system and another possible driving force for its formationmyelin compaction


Author(s):  Qi SHAO, Simin CHEN, Tian XU, Yuyu SHI, Zijin SUN, Qingguo WANG, Xueqian WANG, Fafeng CHENG

Affiliation(s):  College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Beijing100029,China; more

Corresponding email(s):   wxqbucm@126.com, fafengcheng@gmail.com

Key Words:  Myelin, Central nervous system, White matter, Myelin compaction


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Qi SHAO, Simin CHEN, Tian XU, Yuyu SHI, Zijin SUN, Qingguo WANG, Xueqian WANG, Fafeng CHENG. Structure of myelin in the central nervous system and another possible driving force for its formationmyelin compaction[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 2025, 26(4): 303-316.

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author="Qi SHAO, Simin CHEN, Tian XU, Yuyu SHI, Zijin SUN, Qingguo WANG, Xueqian WANG, Fafeng CHENG",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science B",
volume="26",
number="4",
pages="303-316",
year="2025",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/jzus.B2300776"
}

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%A Qi SHAO
%A Simin CHEN
%A Tian XU
%A Yuyu SHI
%A Zijin SUN
%A Qingguo WANG
%A Xueqian WANG
%A Fafeng CHENG
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%DOI 10.1631/jzus.B2300776

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A1 - Qi SHAO
A1 - Simin CHEN
A1 - Tian XU
A1 - Yuyu SHI
A1 - Zijin SUN
A1 - Qingguo WANG
A1 - Xueqian WANG
A1 - Fafeng CHENG
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PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
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DOI - 10.1631/jzus.B2300776


Abstract: 
myelin formation is considered the last true “invention” in the evolution of vertebrate nervous system cell structure. The rapid jumping pulse propagation achieved by myelin enables the high conduction speed that is the basis of human movement, sensation, and cognitive function. As a key structure in the brain, white matter is the gathering place of myelin. However, with age, white matter-associated functions become abnormal and a large number of myelin sheaths undergo degenerative changes, causing serious neurological and cognitive disorders. Despite the extensive time and effort invested in exploring myelination and its functions, numerous unresolved issues and challenges persist. In-depth exploration of the functional role of myelin may bring new inspiration for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and even mental illnesses. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the structure and key molecules of the myelin in the CNS, delving into its formation process. Specifically, we propose a new hypothesis regarding the source of power for myelin expansion in which membrane compaction may serve as a driving force for myelin extension. The implications of this hypothesis could provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diseases involving myelin malfunction and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention in myelin-related disorders.

中枢神经系统中髓鞘的结构及其形成的另一种可能驱动力--髓鞘压实

邵奇1,陈思敏1,徐甜2,师玉玉1,孙资金1,王庆国1,王雪茜1,程发峰1
1北京中医药大学中医学院,中国北京市,100029
2中国医学科学院北京协和医院消化内科,中国北京市,100730
摘要:髓鞘形成被誉为是神经系统细胞结构中脊椎动物进化的最后一个真正"发明",它能够实现快速、跳跃式的脉冲传播,而高传导速度是人类运动、感觉和认知功能的基础。白质作为大脑中的关键结构,是有髓髓鞘的聚集地。然而,随着年龄的增长,白质功能发生异常,大量髓鞘表现出退行性变化,从而引起了严重的神经行为和认知障碍。尽管科学家在探究髓鞘形成以及其功能方面投入了大量的时间和精力,但依旧有许多问题尚未解决,且面临着诸多挑战。深入探究髓鞘的功能作用可能对中枢神经系统疾病甚至精神病的治疗带来启发。在本综述中,我们详细阐述了髓鞘的结构和相应的关键分子,以及其形成的过程。同时,针对髓鞘延伸的动力来源,我们提出了新的假设,即膜压实为髓鞘的扩张提供了动力,这将为更好地认识髓鞘病变相关疾病的病理生理学机制提供有价值的见解,并为髓鞘相关疾病的治疗干预开辟新的途径。

关键词:髓鞘;中枢神经系统;白质;髓鞘压实

Darkslateblue:Affiliate; Royal Blue:Author; Turquoise:Article

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