Myelin encephalitogenic or basic protein (BP) 1 accounts for 30% of the protein in central nervous system (CNS) myelin (1), where BP is postulated to serve a structural role. BP is unique to myelin, and a similar, if not identical, protein designated P1 (2) is present in peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin (2-4). BP has a monomeric mol wt of 18,500 daltons and is comprised of 169 amino acids...

Proteolipid protein (PLP), the major protein of central nervous system myelin, contains approximately 2 mol of covalently bound fatty acids. In this study, the in vivo turnover rate of the acyl chains bound to PLP was determined in 40-day-old rats after a single intracranial injection of [3H]palmitic acid. The apparent half-life of total fatty acids bound to PLP was approximately 7 days. After ...

Fast nerve conduction relies on successive myelin segments that electrically isolate axons. Segment geometry-diameter and length-is critical for the optimization of nerve conduction and the molecular mechanisms allowing this optimized geometry are partially known. We show here that peripheral myelin elongation is dynamically regulated by stimulation of YAP (Yes-associated protein) transcription...

MRI is currently the best imaging modality to assess myelin maturation in the human brain. Myelin is the insulator for nerves and is present in both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, it is a modified extension of the oligodendrocyte cell and is made up of multiple sheaths of protein-lipid-protein-lipid-protein. Standard T1-weighted and T2-weighted s...

Myelin, a multilamellar membrane surrounding nerve fibers of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, is derived from the plasma membrane of the oligodendrocyte (CNS) and Schwann cell (PNS). The chemical composition of myelin differs markedly from that of its progenitor membrane. In addition, the chemical composition of CNS myelin differs from that of PNS myelin. This review will be con...