Myelin sheath synthesis pathway

The myelin sheath synthesis pathway comprises the complex series of cellular, metabolic, and molecular events that lead to the generation of myelin sheaths—the multi-lamellar, lipid-rich structures that insulate axons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Key steps include the expression and post-translational modification of myelin proteins (such as myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein)[1][2], the synthesis and trafficking of specific lipids[2], and the coordinated assembly of these components into compact myelin membranes by oligodendrocytes (central nervous system) or Schwann cells (peripheral nervous system)[2]. This process is critical for the efficient conduction of nerve impulses and is dysregulated in a variety of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies. The pathway itself is not a druggable target but contains many druggable components (enzymes, signaling proteins, etc.) whose manipulation may impact myelination[3].

Other names

Myelination pathwayMyelin biosynthesisMyelinogenesis