Galactolipids in the formation and function of the myelin sheath

Mouse models of human CNTNAP1-associated congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy and genetic restoration of murine neurological deficits

The Contactin-associated protein 1 (Cntnap1) mouse mutants fail to establish proper axonal domains in myelinated axons. Human CNTNAP1 mutations are linked to hypomyelinating neuropathy-3, which causes severe neurological deficits. To understand the human neuropathology and to model human CNTNAP1C323R and CNTNAP1R764C mutations, we generated Cntnap1C324R and Cntnap1R765C mouse mutants, respectively. Both Cntnap1 mutants show weight loss, reduced nerve conduction, and progressive motor dysfunction. The paranodal ultrastructure shows everted myelin loops and the absence of axo-glial junctions. Biochemical analysis reveals that these Cntnap1 mutant proteins are nearly undetectable in the paranodes, have reduced surface expression and stability, and are retained in the neuronal soma. Postnatal transgenic expression of Cntnap1 in the mutant backgrounds rescues the phenotypes and restores the organization of axonal domains with improved motor function. This study uncovers the mechanistic impact of two human CNTNAP1 mutations in a mouse model and provides proof of concept for gene therapy for CNTNAP1 patients.

Sulfatide in health and disease. The evaluation of sulfatide in cerebrospinal fluid as a possible biomarker for neurodegeneration

Sulfatide (3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide, SM4) is a glycosphingolipid, highly multifunctional and particularly enriched in the myelin sheath of neurons. The role of sulfatide has been implicated in various biological fields such as the nervous system, immune system, host-pathogen recognition and infection, beta cell function and haemostasis/thrombosis. Thus, alterations in sulfatide metabolism and production are associated with several human diseases such as neurological and immunological disorders and cancers. The unique lipid-rich composition of myelin reflects the importance of lipids in this specific membrane structure. Sulfatide has been shown to be involved in the regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation and in the maintenance of the myelin sheath by influencing membrane dynamics involving sorting and lateral assembly of myelin proteins as well as ion channels. Sulfatide is furthermore essential for proper formation of the axo-glial junctions at the paranode together with axonal glycosphingolipids. Alterations in sulfatide metabolism are suggested to contribute to myelin deterioration as well as synaptic dysfunction, neurological decline and inflammation observed in different conditions associated with myelin pathology (mouse models and human disorders). Body fluid biomarkers are of importance for clinical diagnostics as well as for patient stratification in clinical trials and treatment monitoring. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is commonly used as an indirect measure of brain metabolism and analysis of CSF sulfatide might provide information regarding whether the lipid disruption observed in neurodegenerative disorders is reflected in this body fluid. In this review, we evaluate the diagnostic utility of CSF sulfatide as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders associated with dysmyelination/demyelination by summarising the current literature on this topic. We can conclude that neither CSF sulfatide levels nor individual sulfatide species consistently reflect the lipid disruption observed in many of the demyelinating disorders. One exception is the lysosomal storage disorder metachromatic leukodystrophy, possibly due to the genetically determined accumulation of non-metabolised sulfatide. We also discuss possible explanations as to why myelin pathology in brain tissue is poorly reflected by the CSF sulfatide concentration. The previous suggestion that CSF sulfatide is a marker of myelin damage has thereby been challenged by more recent studies using more sophisticated laboratory techniques for sulfatide analysis as well as improved sample selection criteria due to increased knowledge on disease pathology.

Enriched Environment Enhances the Myelin Regulatory Factor by mTOR Signaling and Protects the Myelin Membrane Against Oxidative Damage in Rats Exposed to Chronic Immobilization Stress

Long-term consequences of stress intervene in normal signaling of the brain leading to many psychological complications. The enriched environment (EE) may potentially ameliorate the stress response in rats. However, the mechanistic understanding of the enriched environment in protecting the myelin membrane from oxidative damage after prolonged exposure to immobilization stress (IS) remains vague. In the current study, we examined the impact of EE by exposing the rats to IS (4 h/day) followed by EE treatment (2 h/day) for 28 days and the activities of ROS, lipid peroxides, and phospholipids were studied, and its influence on the myelin regulatory factor (MyRF) and enzymes linked to sphingolipid was assessed in the forebrain region of myelin membrane. The ROS and lipid peroxidation was increased, and a significant decrease in the antioxidant activities was found in the IS group. IS + EE could reduce oxidative damage and increase the levels of antioxidant activities. The individual phospholipids including sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidic acid (PA) were decreased in the IS group, while IS + EE exhibited significant increase in the phospholipid classes regardless of the exposure to IS. There was down-regulation in the mRNA levels of MyRF, CERS2, SPLTC2, UGT8, and GLTP, while IS + EE could mitigate the up-regulation in the levels of mRNA of MyRF, CERS2, SPLTC2, UGT8, and GLTP. The protein expression of MOG, PLP1, and mTOR was found to be reduced in the IS group of rats, however, IS + EE revealed significant increase in the expression of these signaling molecules. These results suggest that EE had a positive effect on chronic stress response by protecting the myelin membrane against oxidative damage and increasing the protein synthesis required for myelin membrane plasticity via activation of MyRF and mTOR signaling in the forebrain region of IS exposed rats.

The role of Sphingolipids in myelination and myelin stability and their involvement in childhood and adult demyelinating disorders

Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents the most common demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in adults as well as in children. Furthermore, in children, in addition to acquired diseases such as MS, genetically inherited diseases significantly contribute to the incidence of demyelinating disorders. Some genetic defects lead to sphingolipid alterations that are able to elicit neurological symptoms. Sphingolipids are essential for brain development, and their aberrant functionality may thus contribute to demyelinating diseases such as MS. In particular, sphingolipidoses caused by deficits of sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes, are often associated with demyelination. Sphingolipids are not only structural molecules but also bioactive molecules involved in the regulation of cellular events such as development of the nervous system, myelination and maintenance of myelin stability. Changes in the sphingolipid metabolism deeply affect plasma membrane organization. Thus, changes in myelin sphingolipid composition might crucially contribute to the phenotype of diseases characterized by demyelinalization. Here, we review key features of several sphingolipids such as ceramide/dihydroceramide, sphingosine/dihydrosphingosine, glucosylceramide and, galactosylceramide which act in myelin formation during rat brain development and in human brain demyelination during the pathogenesis of MS, suggesting that this knowledge could be useful in identifying targets for possible therapies.

Proteomics of the corpus callosum to identify novel factors involved in hypomyelinated Niemann-Pick Type C disease mice

Hypomyelination in the central nerves system (CNS) is one of the most obviously pathological features in Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC), which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 or 2 (Npc1 or Npc2). Npc1 plays key roles in both neurons and oligodendrocytes during myelination, however, the linkage between the disturbed cholesterol transport and inhibited myelination is unrevealed. In this study, mass spectrometry (MS)-based differential quantitative proteomics was applied to compare protein composition in the corpus callosum between wild type (WT) and NPC mice. In total, 3009 proteins from both samples were identified, including myelin structural proteins, neuronal proteins, and astrocyte-specific proteins. In line to hypomyelination, our data revealed downregulation of myelin structural and indispensable proteins in Npc1 mutant mice. Notably, the reduced ceramide synthase 2 (Cers2), UDP glycosyltransferase 8 (Ugt8), and glycolipid transfer protein (Gltp) indicate the altered sphingolipid metabolism in the disease and the involvement of Gltp in myelination. The identification of most reported myelin structural proteins and proteins from other cell types advocates the use of the corpus callosum to investigate proteins in different cell types that regulate myelination.

Properties, metabolism and roles of sulfogalactosylglycerolipid in male reproduction

Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG, aka seminolipid) is selectively synthesized in high amounts in mammalian testicular germ cells (TGCs). SGG is an ordered lipid and directly involved in cell adhesion. SGG is indispensable for spermatogenesis, a process that greatly depends on interaction between Sertoli cells and TGCs. Spermatogenesis is disrupted in mice null for Cgt and Cst, encoding two enzymes essential for SGG biosynthesis. Sperm surface SGG also plays roles in fertilization. All of these results indicate the significance of SGG in male reproduction. SGG homeostasis is also important in male fertility. Approximately 50% of TGCs become apoptotic and phagocytosed by Sertoli cells. SGG in apoptotic remnants needs to be degraded by Sertoli lysosomal enzymes to the lipid backbone. Failure in this event leads to a lysosomal storage disorder and sub-functionality of Sertoli cells, including their support for TGC development, and consequently subfertility. Significantly, both biosynthesis and degradation pathways of the galactosylsulfate head group of SGG are the same as those of sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC), a structurally related sulfoglycolipid important for brain functions. If subfertility in males with gene mutations in SGG/SGC metabolism pathways manifests prior to neurological disorder, sperm SGG levels might be used as a reporting/predicting index of the neurological status.

Lamin B1 mediated demyelination: Linking Lamins, Lipids and Leukodystrophies

Autosomal Dominant Leukodystrophy (ADLD), a fatal adult onset demyelinating disorder, is the only human disease that has been linked to mutations of the nuclear lamina protein, lamin B1, and is primarily caused by duplications of the LMNB1 gene. Why CNS myelin is specifically targeted and the mechanisms underlying ADLD are unclear. Recent work from our group has demonstrated that over expression of lamin B1 in oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells in the CNS, resulted in age dependent epigenetic modifications, transcriptional down-regulation of lipogenic gene expression and significant reductions of myelin-enriched lipids. Given the high lipid content of meylin, we hypothesize that lipid loss is one of the primary drivers of the demyelination phenotype. These results can, at least partially, explain the age dependence and cell type specificity in ADLD and are discussed in the context of the existing literature, in an attempt to delineate potential pathways underlying the disease phenotype.

Oligodendroglial membrane dynamics in relation to myelin biogenesis

In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes synthesize a specialized membrane, the myelin membrane, which enwraps the axons in a multilamellar fashion to provide fast action potential conduction and to ensure axonal integrity. When compared to other membranes, the composition of myelin membranes is unique with its relatively high lipid to protein ratio. Their biogenesis is quite complex and requires a tight regulation of sequential events, which are deregulated in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. To devise strategies for remedying such defects, it is crucial to understand molecular mechanisms that underlie myelin assembly and dynamics, including the ability of specific lipids to organize proteins and/or mediate protein-protein interactions in healthy versus diseased myelin membranes. The tight regulation of myelin membrane formation has been widely investigated with classical biochemical and cell biological techniques, both in vitro and in vivo. However, our knowledge about myelin membrane dynamics, such as membrane fluidity in conjunction with the movement/diffusion of proteins and lipids in the membrane and the specificity and role of distinct lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions, is limited. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings about the myelin structure in terms of myelin lipids, proteins and membrane microdomains. To give insight into myelin membrane dynamics, we will particularly highlight the application of model membranes and advanced biophysical techniques, i.e., approaches which clearly provide an added value to insight obtained by classical biochemical techniques.

Defects of Lipid Synthesis Are Linked to the Age-Dependent Demyelination Caused by Lamin B1 Overexpression

Lamin B1 is a component of the nuclear lamina and plays a critical role in maintaining nuclear architecture, regulating gene expression and modulating chromatin positioning. We have previously shown that LMNB1 gene duplications cause autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD), a fatal adult onset demyelinating disease. The mechanisms by which increased LMNB1 levels cause ADLD are unclear. To address this, we used a transgenic mouse model where Lamin B1 overexpression is targeted to oligodendrocytes. These mice showed severe vacuolar degeneration of the spinal cord white matter together with marked astrogliosis, microglial infiltration, and secondary axonal damage. Oligodendrocytes in the transgenic mice revealed alterations in histone modifications favoring a transcriptionally repressed state. Chromatin changes were accompanied by reduced expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis pathways, many of which are known to play important roles in myelin regulation and are preferentially expressed in oligodendrocytes. Decreased lipogenic gene expression resulted in a significant reduction in multiple classes of lipids involved in myelin formation. Many of these gene expression changes and lipid alterations were observed even before the onset of the phenotype, suggesting a causal role. Our findings establish, for the first time, a link between LMNB1 and lipid synthesis in oligodendrocytes, and provide a mechanistic framework to explain the age dependence and white matter involvement of the disease phenotype. These results have implications for disease pathogenesis and may also shed light on the regulation of lipid synthesis pathways in myelin maintenance and turnover.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) is fatal neurological disorder caused by increased levels of the nuclear protein, Lamin B1. The disease is characterized by an age-dependent loss of myelin, the fatty sheath that covers nerve fibers. We have studied a mouse model where Lamin B1 level are increased in oligodendrocytes, the cell type that produces myelin in the CNS. We demonstrate that destruction of myelin in the spinal cord is responsible for the degenerative phenotype in our mouse model. We show that this degeneration is mediated by reduced expression of lipid synthesis genes and the subsequent reduction in myelin enriched lipids. These findings provide a mechanistic framework to explain the age dependence and tissue specificity of the ADLD disease phenotype.

Dysmyelination with preservation of transverse bands in a long-lived allele of the quaking mouse

The new mutant mouse shaking (shk) differs from other "myelin mutants" in having a more stable neurological impairment and a much longer lifespan. We have shown that transverse bands (TBs), the component of the paranodal junction (PNJ) that attaches the myelin sheath to the axon, are present in the shk central nervous system (CNS), in contrast to more severely affected mutants, in which TBs are absent or rare. We have proposed that TBs are the major determinant underlying shk neurological stability and longevity. Here we report that TBs are abundant not only in the shk CNS but also in its peripheral nervous system (PNS), which, as in other "myelin mutants", is not as severely dysmyelinated as the CNS but does display structural abnormalities likely to affect impulse propagation. In particular, myelin sheaths are thinner than normal, and some axonal segments lack myelin sheaths entirely. In addition, we establish that the shk mutation, previously localized to chromosome 17, is a quaking (qk) allele consisting of a 105-nucleotide insertion in the qk regulatory region that decreases qk transcription but does not extend to the Parkin and Parkin coregulated genes, which are affected in the qk allele. We conclude that: 1) dysmyelination is less severe in the shk PNS than in the CNS, but TBs, which are present in both locations, stabilize the PNJs and prevent the progressive neurological deficits seen in mutants lacking TBs; and 2) the insertional mutation in shk mice is sufficient to produce the characteristic neurological phenotype without involvement of the Parkin and Parkin coregulated genes.

Autobiography: Kinuko Suzuki, MD

EDITORS' INTRODUCTION

The following reminiscence by Kinuko Suzuki is the 9th autobiography in a series published in the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology. These have been solicited from senior members of the neuropathology community who have been noted leaders and contributors to neuroscience and to the American Association of Neuropathologists (AANP) and have a historical perspective of the importance of neuropathology in diagnosis, education, and research. It is hoped that this series will entertain, enlighten, and present members of the AANP with a better sense of the legacy that we have inherited, as well as reintroduce our respected neuroscientists as humans having interesting lives filled with joys and sorrows and allowing them to present their lives in their own words.MNH, RAS.

Oligodendrocytes assist in the maintenance of sodium channel clusters independent of the myelin sheath

To ensure rapid and efficient impulse conduction, myelinated axons establish and maintain specific protein domains. For instance, sodium (Na+) channels accumulate in the node of Ranvier; potassium (K+) channels aggregate in the juxtaparanode and neurexin/caspr/paranodin clusters in the paranode. Our understanding of the mechanisms that control the initial clustering of these proteins is limited and less is known about domain maintenance. Correlative data indicate that myelin formation and/or mature myelin-forming cells mediate formation of all three domains. Here, we test whether myelin is required for maintaining Na+ channel domains in the nodal gap by employing two demyelinating murine models: (1) cuprizone ingestion, which induces complete demyelination through oligodendrocyte toxicity; and (2) ceramide galactosyltransferase deficient mice, which undergo spontaneous adult-onset demyelination without oligodendrocyte death. Our data indicate that the myelin sheath is essential for long-term maintenance of sodium channel domains; however, oligodendrocytes, independent of myelin, provide a partial protective influence on the maintenance of nodal Na+ channel clusters. Thus, we propose that multiple mechanisms regulate the maintenance of nodal protein organization. Finally, we present evidence that following the loss of Na+ channel clusters the chronological progression of expression and reclustering of Na+ channel isoforms during the course of CNS remyelination recapitulates development.

Encephalopathy caused by ablation of very long acyl chain ceramide synthesis may be largely due to reduced galactosylceramide levels

Sphingolipids (SLs) act as signaling molecules and as structural components in both neuronal cells and myelin. We now characterize the biochemical, histological, and behavioral abnormalities in the brain of a mouse lacking very long acyl (C22-C24) chain SLs. This mouse, which is defective in the ability to synthesize C22-C24-SLs due to ablation of ceramide synthase 2, has reduced levels of galactosylceramide (GalCer), a major component of myelin, and in particular reduced levels of non-hydroxy-C22-C24-GalCer and 2-hydroxy-C22-C24- GalCer. Noteworthy brain lesions develop with a time course consistent with a vital role for C22-C24-GalCer in myelin stability. Myelin degeneration and detachment was observed as was abnormal motor behavior originating from a subcortical region. Additional abnormalities included bilateral and symmetrical vacuolization and gliosis in specific brain areas, which corresponded to some extent to the pattern of ceramide synthase 2 expression, with astrogliosis considerably more pronounced than microglial activation. Unexpectedly, unidentified storage materials were detected in lysosomes of astrocytes, reminiscent of the accumulation that occurs in lysosomal storage disorders. Together, our data demonstrate a key role in the brain for SLs containing very long acyl chains and in particular GalCer with a reduction in their levels leading to distinctive morphological abnormalities in defined brain regions.

Oligodendrocyte development and myelin biogenesis: parsing out the roles of glycosphingolipids

The myelin sheath is an extension of the oligoddendrocyte (OL) plasma membrane enriched in lipids that ensheaths the axons of the central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we review the involvement of glycosphingolipids in myelin/OL functions, including the regulation of OL differentiation, lipid raft-mediated trafficking and signaling, and neuron-glia interactions.

Age-dependent epigenetic control of differentiation inhibitors is critical for remyelination efficiency

The efficiency of remyelination decreases with age, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this decline remain only partially understood. In this study, we show that remyelination is regulated by age-dependent epigenetic control of gene expression. In demyelinated young brains, new myelin synthesis is preceded by downregulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation inhibitors and neural stem cell markers, and this is associated with recruitment of histone deacetylases (HDACs) to promoter regions. In demyelinated old brains, HDAC recruitment is inefficient, and this allows the accumulation of transcriptional inhibitors and prevents the subsequent surge in myelin gene expression. Defective remyelination can be recapitulated in vivo in mice receiving systemic administration of pharmacological HDAC inhibitors during cuprizone treatment and is consistent with in vitro results showing defective differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors after silencing specific HDAC isoforms. Thus, we suggest that inefficient epigenetic modulation of the oligodendrocyte differentiation program contributes to the age-dependent decline in remyelination efficiency.

Free-radical fragmentation of galactocerebrosides: a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry study

Analysis of final products of radiation-induced transformations of galactocerebrosides (GalCer) in aqueous dispersions has been performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and its combination of thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Ceramides were found to be the main products of GalCer gamma-radiolysis. From experimental results obtained in this study, as well as from the data available in the literature, an inference is made that the formation of ceramides occurs owing to fragmentation of radicals with an unpaired electron of the C2 atom of the carbohydrate moiety, formed from the starting compounds.

Transcriptional regulation of the human UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (hCGT) gene expression: functional role of GC-box and CRE

UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT, EC 2.4.1.45) is a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of galactocerebroside (GalC), the most abundant glycolipid in myelin. Using a GalC expressing cell line, human oligodendroglioma (HOG), one which does not express GalC, human neuroblastoma (LAN-5), we previously demonstrated that the human CGT (hCGT) gene promoter functions in a cell-specific manner. Because the proximal (-292/-256) and distal (-747/-688) positive domains were shown to be critically involved in regulating the expression of several myelin-specific genes, we further investigated the functional roles of these two motifs in hCGT expression. Mutation analysis confirmed that a GC-box (-267/-259) and a CRE (-697/-690) were critical for hCGT expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that these motifs specifically bound to nuclear extracts from both cell lines. Using antibodies to Sp1, Sp3, pCREB-1, and ATF-1, these proteins were shown to be components of the EMSA complexes. However, the only difference between the HOG and LAN-5 cells was found in the EMSA profile of the CRE complexes. This difference may account for the differential transcription of the hCGT gene in the two cell types. Furthermore, the expression levels of ATF-1 detected were much higher in HOG cells than in LAN-5 cells. Thus, our data suggest that the GC-box and CRE function cooperatively, and that the CRE regulates the cell-specific expression of the hCGT gene.

Supported cell mimetic monolayers and their interaction with blood

Surface modification using supported monolayers of phosphorylcholine containing phospholipids has been an accepted strategy for developing blood-contacting materials. We present a detailed study of the blood compatibility of the supported monolayers of phospholipid, glycolipid, and cholesterol (Chol) binary and ternary lipid combinations using in vitro techniques. The packing and orientation of these monolayers have been correlated with the blood compatibility. We have used phosphatidylcholine (PTC) for phospholipid, galactocerebroside (Gal) for glycolipid, and Chol based on the headgroup structure to represent the major lipid components of the endothelial luminal cell membrane. The interfacial behavior of various combinations of PTC, Gal, and Chol monolayers have been studied at the air/water interface and deposited on hydrophobic polycarbonate (PC) polymer substrates with the help of the Langmuir-Blodgett trough. The packing and orientation of the supported monolayers have been varied by means of changing the lipid composition rather than the deposition parameters. This approach seems to be more similar to the in vivo conditions. The different supported monolayer surfaces prepared accordingly are (1) a closely packed ordered hydrophobic surface, PC modified with the combination PTC/Chol/Gal (1:0.35:0.125), (2) a loosely packed ordered hydrophobic surface, PC modified with the combination PTC/Chol (1:0.35), and (3) a closely packed ordered hydrophilic surface, PC modified with the combination PTC/Chol (1:0.7). An optimized modified surface (PTC/Chol/Gal, 1:0.35:0.125) has been identified on the basis of the maximum transfer ratio from the air/water interface and characterized by using atomic force microscopy. The concentration of Chol has been found to be an important parameter, which influences the transfer ratio. The Gal improves the monolayer integrity under a reduced Chol concentration. The blood compatibility of these supported monolayers was studied by protein adsorption, blood cell adhesion, and calcification. The tightly packed ordered hydrophobic surface (PTC/Chol/Gal, 1:0.35:0.125), has been found to be more blood compatible because of reduced blood cell adhesion and calcification. This surface also promotes albumin adsorption and may be the reason for the reduced platelet activation, while in the case of the loosely packed ordered hydrophobic surface (PTC/Chol, 1:0.35) the protein adsorption also has been reduced along with the blood cell adhesion and calcification. When the ordered hydrophilic surface (PTC/Chol, 1: 0.7) of the monolayer has been exposed, the blood cell adhesions as well as the overall protein adsorption were significantly reduced. However, the packing of the phosphorylcholine moieties of the polar headgroup has been affecting the calcification on the surface. We have observed an increase in calcification to the surface modified with the loosely packed polar headgroup, from a relative study on chitosan and chitosan modified with the monolayer of PTC. These findings are helpful for the surface modifications for blood-contacting materials using this strategy.

Oligodendroglia in developmental neurotoxicity

The developing nervous system has been long recognized as a primary target for a variety of toxicants. To date, most efforts to understand the impact of neurotoxic agents on the brain have focused primarily on neurons and to a lesser degree astroglia as cellular targets. The role of oligodendroglia, the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS), in developmental neurotoxicity has been emphasized only in recent years. Oligodendrocytes originate from migratory, mitotic progenitors that mature progressively into postmitotic myelinating cells. During differentiation, oligodendroglial lineage cells pass through a series of distinct phenotypic stages that are characterized by different proliferative capacities and migratory abilities, as well as dramatic changes in morphology with sequential expression of unique developmental markers. In recent years, it has become appreciated that oligodendrocyte lineage cells have important functions other than those related to myelin formation and maintenance, including participation in neuronal survival and development, as well as neurotransmission and synaptic function. Substantial knowledge has accumulated on the control of oligodendroglial survival, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as the cellular and molecular events involved in oligodendroglial development and myelin formation. Recently, studies have been initiated to address the role of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in neurotoxic processes. This article examines recent progress in oligodendroglial biology, focuses attention on the characteristic features of the oligodendrocyte developmental lineage as a model system for neurotoxicological studies, and explores the role of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in developmental neurotoxicity. The potential role of oligodendroglia in environmental lead neurotoxicity is presented to exemplify this thesis.

Galactolipids are molecular determinants of myelin development and axo-glial organization

Myelination is a developmentally regulated process whereby myelinating glial cells elaborate large quantities of a specialized plasma membrane that ensheaths axons. The myelin sheath contains an unusual lipid composition in that the glycolipid galactosylceramide (GalC) and its sulfated form sulfatide constitute a large proportion of the total lipid mass. These glycolipids have been implicated in a range of developmental processes such as cell differentiation and myelination initiation, but analyses of mice lacking UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT), the enzyme required for myelin galactolipid synthesis, have more recently demonstrated that the galactolipids more subtly regulate myelin formation. The CGT mutants display a delay in myelin maturation and axo-glial interactions develop abnormally. By interbreeding the CGT mutants with mice that lack myelin-associated glycoprotein, it has been shown that these specialized myelin lipids and proteins act in concert to promote axo-glial adhesion during myelinogenesis. The analysis of the CGT mutants is helping to clarify the roles myelin galactolipids play in regulating the development, and ultimately the function of the myelin sheath.

Motor and psycho-cognitive clinical types in adult metachromatic leukodystrophy: genotype/phenotype relationships?

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a recessive autosomal disease which is biochemically characterized by an accumulation of sulfatides (sulfogalactosylceramides) mainly in oligodendrocytes and macrophages/microglia. The deficient enzyme is a lysosomal hydrolase, cerebroside sulfate sulfatase (arylsulfatase A). MLD is both a dysmyelinating and a demyelinating disease. The main clinical forms are infantile or juvenile, but some forms appear at adulthood. This disease involves also neuronal cells as sulfatides are also present in neurons in which the defect in degradation occurs also. We have studied 12 cases of adult MLD and clearly distinguished two clinical forms. One of them was characterized by mainly central nervous system motor signs (pyramidal, cerebellar, and seldom dystonia) and a peripheral neuropathy. The other form always started by behavioural abnormalities with modifications of mood, peculiar social reactions; a progressive mental deterioration occurred also. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was often mentioned. Most of these patients remained for many years without any neurological symptoms, and the diagnosis was only made when neurological signs appeared, or when Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed. MRI showed a diffuse demyelination, bilateral and often symmetrical, which could be temporarily limited to the periventricular areas. The diagnosis of adult MLD was biochemical, evidencing the low activity of arylsulfatase A (ASA) and sulfatide accumulation. To determine the respective participation of neurons and glial cells in the physiopathology of both the motor forms and the psycho-cognitive forms, our first approach was to search for mutations differing according to the clinical status. Motor forms involved the major adult ASA mutation P426L in a homozygote form in contrast to psycho-cognitive forms which involved as a compound heterozygote a specific I179S mutation.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein and myelin galactolipids stabilize developing axo-glial interactions

We have analyzed mice that lack both the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and the myelin galactolipids, two glial components implicated in mediating axo-glial interactions during the myelination process. The single-mutant mice produce abnormal myelin containing similar ultrastructural abnormalities, suggesting that these molecules may play an overlapping role in myelin formation. Furthermore, the absence of the galactolipids results in a disruption in paranodal axo-glial interactions, and we show here that similar, albeit less severe, abnormalities exist in the developing MAG mutant. In the double-mutant mice, maintenance of axo-glial adhesion is significantly more affected than in the single mutants, supporting the overlapping function hypothesis. We also show that independently of MAG, galactolipids, and paranodal junctional components, immature nodes of Ranvier form normally, but rapidly destabilize in their absence. These data indicate that distinct molecular mechanisms are responsible for the formation and maintenance of axo-glial interactions.

Lead alters the developmental profile of the galactolipid metabolic enzymes in cultured oligodendrocyte lineage cells

Lead is a neurotoxicant that can cause myelin deficits. Galactolipids are expressed during differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and accumulate in myelin. To examine the impact of lead on oligodendroglial differentiation, galactolipid metabolism in cultured oligodendrocyte lineage cells exposed to the metal was studied. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells obtained from newborn rat pups were exposed to 1 microM lead acetate for 24 h prior to maintenance of the cells in medium containing the metal salt for 0, 2, or 6 days of differentiation. Lead caused approximately 50% reduction in levels of the galactolipid biosynthetic transferases, UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase and 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate:galactocerebroside sulfotransferase, as compared to sodium-treated controls, in cultures of oligodendrocyte lineage cells following 2 days of differentiation. The activities of the galactolipid catabolic hydrolases, galactocerebroside-beta-galactosidase and arylsulfatase A, were reduced by 20%. Following 6 days of differentiation, lead-exposed cells exhibited levels of all the enzymes, except for arylsulfatase A, similar to those of the control cells. These results are consistent with the lead-induced delay of oligodendrocyte differentiation, as evidenced by the emergence of stage-specific immunochemical markers and the observed change in the developmental activity profile of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase. The activity of arylsulfatase A in lead-treated 6-day oligodendrocytes was significantly less than that found in control cultures. This effect is consistent with the lead-induced reduction of arylsulfatase A in human fibroblasts caused by mis-sorting the newly-synthesized enzyme. The perturbation of galactolipid metabolism by lead during developmental maturation of oligodendrocytes may represent a contributing mechanism for lead-induced neurotoxicity.

Characterization of the human UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase gene promoter

UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT, EC 2.4.1.45) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of galactocerebroside, the most abundant glycosphingolipid in the myelin sheath. An 8 kb fragment upstream from the transcription initiation site of CGT gene was isolated from a human genomic DNA library. Primer extension analysis revealed a single transcription initiation site 329 bp upstream from the ATG start codon. Neither a consensus TATA nor a CCAAT box was identified in the proximity to the transcription start site; however, this region contains a high GC content and multiple putative regulatory elements. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of CGT, a series of 5' deletion constructs of the 5'-flanking region were generated and cloned upstream from the luciferase reporter gene. By comparing promoter activity in the human oligodendroglioma (HOG) and human neuroblastoma (LAN-5) cell lines, we found that the CGT promoter functions in a cell type-specific manner. Three positive cis-acting regulatory regions were identified, including a proximal region at -292/-256 which contains the potential binding sites for known transcription factors (TFs) such as Ets and SP1 (GC box), a distal region at -747/-688 comprising a number of binding sites such as the ERE half-site, NF1-like, TGGCA-BP, and CRE, and a third positive cis-acting region distally localized at -1325/-1083 consisting of binding sites for TFs such as nitrogen regulatory, TCF-1, TGGCA-BP, NF-IL6, CF1, bHLH, NF1-like, GATA, and gamma-IRE. A negative cis-acting domain localized in a far distal region at -1594/-1326 was also identified. Our results suggest the presence of both positive and negative cis-regulatory regions essential for the cell-specific expression in the TATA-less promoter of the human CGT gene.

Effects of galactolipid elimination on oligodendrocyte development and myelination

The galactolipids galactocerebroside and sulfatide, which require the enzyme UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT) for their synthesis, are among the most prevalent molecules in the myelin sheath. Numerous studies, mainly using antibody perturbation methods in vitro, have suggested that these molecules are crucial mediators of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin formation. Although we have previously demonstrated that myelin formation occurs in CGT null mutant mice, which are incapable of synthesizing the myelin galactolipids, here we show that there are developmental alterations in the CNS of these animals. There is a significant decrease in the number of myelinated axon segments in the mutant spinal cord despite normal levels of myelin gene-specific mRNAs and proteins. Also, there is an increased cellularity in the mature mutant spinal cord and the distinctive morphology of the additional cells suggests that they are actively myelinating oligodendrocytes. Using in situ hybridization techniques, we show that there is a 50% increase in the number of oligodendrocytes in the mutant spinal cord. The data suggest that galactolipids play an important developmental role in regulating the maturation program and final number of oligodendrocytes.

L-cycloserine slows the clinical and pathological course in mice with globoid cell leukodystrophy (twitcher mice)

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects the lysosomal enzyme galactosylceramidase. Galactosylceramidase removes galactose from galactosylceramide and psychosine, which are derived from sphingosine. In the present study, L-cycloserine (an inhibitor of 3-ketodyhydrosphingosine synthase) was administered to the twitcher mouse, an authentic model of globoid cell leukodystrophy. Twitcher mice treated with L-cycloserine had a significantly longer life span and a delayed onset of weight loss than vehicle-injected twitcher mice. Pathological features such as macrophage infiltration and astrocyte gliosis also were less in treated twitcher mice. These results indicate that substrate reduction therapy may have therapeutic value for individuals with residual enzymatic activity, e.g., individuals with late onset disease or individuals with partial enzyme replacement via bone marrow transplantation. In these cases, a reduction in galactosylceramide and psychosine synthesis would enable residual enzymatic activity to keep up with the accumulation of these substrates that would otherwise lead to pathology.

Genetic analysis of myelin galactolipid function

The CGT enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the final step in GalC synthesis. The isolation of the CGT cDNA has allowed for the genetic analysis of galactolipid function by providing the opportunity to generate null mutants deficient in CGT enzymatic activity. The detailed analyses of CGT mutant mice demonstrate that the galactolipids are essential for the formation and maintenance of normal CNS myelin, but neither GalC or sulfatide appear to be required for the development of structurally normal PNS myelin. These studies also show that the differentiation of myelinating cells is not dependent on galactolipid function, in contrast to the conclusions drawn from prior antibody perturbation studies. The abnormal node of Ranvier formations present in the CNS likely explain the disrupted electrophysiological properties displayed by mutant spinal cord axons and the tremoring phenotype of these mice. The abnormal myelin structures present in the mutant animals are consistent with the possibility that the galactolipids play a role in regulating or mediating proper axo-glial interactions. The further detailed analysis of these animals should help refine our understanding of galactolipid function in the myelination process.

Myelin galactolipids: mediators of axon-glial interactions?

The precise alignment of myelin segments along the length of the axon is essential for the saltatory propagation of an electrical impulse. Furthermore, node of Ranvier formation and function are dependent on the proper interactions between myelinating glial cells and the axon. Nevertheless, the molecules that regulate the placement and association of myelinating cells with axons remain largely unidentified. Recently, however, the analysis of mutant mice incapable of synthesizing the galactolipids of myelin has revealed defects in these processes. The galactolipid-deficient mice display alterations in the spacing of internodal segments along the axon: large unmyelinated gaps are common and overlapping myelin segments are observed. Moreover, the normal tight association between the lateral loops of the myelinating cell and the axonal membrane at the paranode region is also disrupted in these animals. Strikingly, there is a complete absence of transverse bands at the axon-glial junction, with the lateral loops frequently turning away from the axon. These data indicate that the galactolipids play an essential role in axon-glial interactions and node of Ranvier formation.

Non-myelin-forming perisynaptic schwann cells express protein zero and myelin-associated glycoprotein

Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) envelop axonal terminals and are physiologically distinct from the nearby myelinating Schwann cells (MSCs), which surround the same innervating motor axons. PSCs have special functions at the neuromuscular synapse, where they detect and can modulate neurotransmitter release. Although PSCs are similar to non-myelinating Schwann cells in that they do not form multiple myelin wrappings around nerve terminals, they do wrap around single nerve terminals. These differences, as well as others, lead us to question whether PSCs are truly of Schwann cell origin. We thus characterized the expression of molecules, classically associated with myelin and Schwann cells, in PSCs at the frog neuromuscular junction. We wondered whether PSCs express the Schwann cell marker protein zero (P(0)) and whether their lack of myelination was related to an absence of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a protein found in myelinating cells that is considered important in myelination. Instead, we found that PSCs express both P(0) and MAG, and other myelinating glial markers such as galactocerebroside and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase. In denervated preparations, P(0) and MAG expression persisted, including at newly formed PSC extensions. Because PSCs do not myelinate, it is clear that expression of these proteins alone is not sufficient for myelin formation. It is possible that factors present at synapses may prevent myelination, while P(0) and MAG may mediate adhesion between nerve terminals and the surrounding PSCs. The results indicate that PSCs are of Schwann cell origin.

Myelination in the absence of galactolipids and proteolipid proteins

The galactolipids galactocerebroside and sulfatide and the proteolipid protein (PLP) and its splice variant DM20 are the most abundant lipid and protein components of central nervous system myelin. Recent studies have found that mice lacking either the galactolipids or PLP are able to form myelin sheaths with apparently normal periodicity and near normal compaction. Here, we have generated galactolipid/proteolipid double mutants to examine the possibility that these molecules have overlapping functions. We show that the absence of the galactolipids and PLP has pleotropic effects on myelin formation. While oligodendrocytes in the postnatal day 20 galactolipid/proteolipid-deficient mouse are able to elaborate myelin with close to normal intraperiod lines, there is an increased frequency of uncompacted myelin sheaths as well as unmyelinated axons. Moreover, the double mutants display extensive white matter vacuolization of the cerebellum that initiates around postnatal day 16, which correlates with the onset of a severe ataxic phenotype and an increased percentage of apoptotic nuclei in the cerebellar internal granule cell layer. These data indicate that the galactolipids and PLP/DM20 are not required for intraperiod line formation, but they suggest a role for these molecules in mediating myelin compaction and in maintaining the integrity of the cerebellum.

Role of axonal components during myelination

Myelination is a multistep ordered process whereby Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), produce and extend membranous processes that envelop axons. Mechanisms that regulate this complex process are not well understood. Advances in deciphering the regulatory components of myelination have been carried out primarily in the PNS and although the mechanisms for triggering and directing myelination are not known, it is well established that myelination does not occur in the absence of axons or axon/neuron-derived factors. This appears to be true both in PNS and CNS. Progress in understanding CNS myelinogenesis has been relatively slow because of the unavailability of a suitable culture system, which, in turn, is partly due to complexity in the cellular organization of the CNS. Though the myelin composition differs between PNS and CNS, the regulation of myelination seems to parallel rather than differ between these two systems. This article reviews the regulatory role of axonal components during myelination. The first half consists of an overview of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out in the nervous system. The second half discusses the use of a cerebellar slice culture system and generation of anti-axolemma monoclonal antibodies to investigate the role of axonal membrane components that participate in myelination. It also describes the characterization of an axonal protein involved in myelination.