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ERK1/ 2 Activation in Preexisting Oligodendrocytes of Adult Mice Drives New Myelin Synthesis and Enhanced CNS Function

Jeffries, Marisa (2017) ERK1/ 2 Activation in Preexisting Oligodendrocytes of Adult Mice Drives New Myelin Synthesis and Enhanced CNS Function. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Growing evidence shows that mechanisms controlling CNS plasticity extend beyond the synapse
and that alterations in myelin can modify conduction velocity, leading to changes in neural
circuitry. Although it is widely accepted that newly generated oligodendrocytes (OLs) produce
myelin in the adult CNS, the contribution of preexisting OLs to functional myelin remodeling is
not known. Here, we show that sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1
and 2 (ERK1/2) in preexisting OLs of adult mice is sufficient to drive increased myelin
thickness, faster conduction speeds, and enhanced hippocampal-dependent emotional learning.
Although preexisting OLs do not normally contribute to remyelination, we show that sustained
activation of ERK1/2 renders them able to do so. These data suggest that strategies designed to
push mature OLs to reinitiate myelination may be beneficial both for enhancing remyelination in
demyelinating diseases and for increasing neural plasticity in the adult CNS.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Jeffries, Marisamaa251@pitt.edumaa251
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairLillien, Lauralll19@pitt.edulll19
Committee MemberPadiath, Quasarqpadiath@pitt.eduqpadiath
Thesis AdvisorFyffe-Maricich, SharylSFyffe-Maricich@ultragenyx.com
Date: 18 April 2017
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 22 December 2016
Approval Date: 18 April 2017
Submission Date: 18 April 2017
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 55
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Medicine > Neurobiology
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: myelin, oligodendrocyte, remyelination
Date Deposited: 18 Apr 2017 19:44
Last Modified: 19 Apr 2017 05:15
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/31498

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