Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Is an Essential and Direct Driver of Myelin Gene Expression and Myelinogenesis

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4270-10.2011
• Publication Date: 2011-03-09T18:40:31Z
• Authors: Marcel Tawk; Joelle Makoukji; Martin Belle; Cosima Fonte; Amalia Trousson; Thomas Hawkins; Huiliang Li; Said Ghandour; Michael Schumacher; Charbel Massaad
• Keywords: Myelinogenesis; Beta-catenin

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a major role in the development of nervous system and contributes to neuronal plasticity. However, its myelination remains unclear. Here, we identify pathway as an essential driver myelin gene expression. The selective inhibition Wnt components by small interfering RNA or dominant-negative forms blocks expression protein zero (MPZ) peripheral 22 (PMP22) mouse Schwann cells proteolipid oligodendrocytes. Moreover, activation recombinant Wnt1 ligand increases threefold transcription genes enhances binding β-catenin T-cell factor/lymphoid-enhancer factor factors present vicinity MPZ PMP22 promoters. Most important, loss-of-function analyses zebrafish embryos show, vivo , key for sheath compaction, both central systems. Inhibition resulted hypomyelination, without affecting cell oligodendrocyte generation axonal integrity. findings attribute myelinogenesis.