Myelination Without Certain Sphingolipids
Author Information
Author(s): Meixner Marion, Jungnickel Julia, Grothe Claudia, Gieselmann Volkmar, Eckhardt Matthias
Primary Institution: Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn, Germany
Hypothesis
The presence of HFA-GlcCer and HFA-sphingomyelin in Cgt-/- mice is a functionally important compensatory upregulation that prevents a more severe phenotype.
Conclusion
Compact myelin can be formed with non-hydroxylated sphingomyelin as the predominant sphingolipid, but myelin maintenance is impaired.
Supporting Evidence
- Fa2h-/-/Cgt-/- mice lack sulfatide and GalCer, but still form compact myelin.
- The amount of GlcCer in CNS myelin was reduced by more than 80% in Fa2h-/-/Cgt-/- mice compared to Cgt-/- mice.
- Sphingomyelin was significantly increased in Fa2h-/-/Cgt-/- mice.
Takeaway
Even without certain important fats, the brain can still make a protective covering for nerves, but it doesn't work as well over time.
Methodology
The study involved generating double-deficient mice and analyzing their myelin composition and structure through various biochemical and morphological techniques.
Limitations
Extensive behavioral testing could not be performed due to low availability of age- and gender-matched mice.
Participant Demographics
Mice of various genotypes, specifically Cgt-/- and Fa2h-/-/Cgt-/-.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website