New Biological Mechanism Boosts Myelin Production in the Brain

TAU researchers discover how to increase myelin production — a finding that could aid treatments for Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have discovered a new biological mechanism that enhances the production of myelin — a substance essential for proper brain function and nerve communication. “Our findings may serve as the basis for developing innovative treatments for severe neurological disorders involving myelin damage, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain neurodevelopmental syndromes,” the researchers note.

The study was conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Boaz Barak of the Sagol School of Neuroscience and the School of Psychological Sciences at Tel Aviv University and led by Dr. Gilad Levy. The lab collaborated with researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Tel Aviv University, and Germany’s Max Planck Institute. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

Releasing the Brain’s “Biological Brakes”

Prof. Barak explains: “Damage to myelin is associated with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease in which the body itself attacks the myelin), as well as neurodevelopmental syndromes like Williams syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. In this study we focused on the cells that produce myelin in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Specifically in these cells, we investigated the role of a protein called Tfii-i, known for its ability to increase or decrease the expression of many genes crucial for cell function. While Tfii-i has long been linked to abnormal brain development and neurodevelopmental syndromes, its role in myelin production had not been studied until now.”

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