Myelin Membrane in Molecular Detail

Myelin plays a critical role in rapid action potential propagation and support of neuronal metabolism.

Disruptions of its formation lead to severe neurodegenerative conditions, with multiple sclerosis (MS) ranking as the most prevalent demyelination disorder in the central nervous system (CNS).

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation estimates that around 2.9 million individuals worldwide are affected by MS in 2023, and its prevalence is increasing yearly.

It is well established that myelin-specific membrane-embedded and membrane-associated proteins are essential for wrapping the oligodendrocyte membrane around the axons, forming the tightly packed membrane multilayers, constituting the myelin sheath.

While the molecular identity of these proteins is known, there is no high-resolution structural information for any of the full-length CNS myelin proteins, and it is unknown how these proteins interact among themselves and with the surrounding membrane to form the myelin sheath.

MyeMembrane seeks to throw structural insight on the myelin sheath assembly by visualizing principal CNS myelin membrane proteins in a lipid environment at high resolution, and to investigate the interplay between myelin proteins and the surrounding membrane using cutting-edge biophysical techniques.

Unravelling the structural basis of myelin sheath formation is crucial for understanding myelin disorders, and for exploring new research avenues including the development of new treatments, endowing MyeMembrane with far-reaching scientific and societal impact.