Endogenous Remyelination in the CNS

Abstract

In striking contrast to the generally inadequate attempts at regeneration that follows damage to neuronal elements, the sequela to CNS demyelination is often a robust regenerative process called remyelination. In this chapter, we (1) review current knowledge on the biology of remyelination, including the cells and molecular signals involved; (2) describe when remyelination occurs and when and why it fails, including the consequences of its failure; and (3) discuss approaches for enhancing endogenous remyelination therapeutically in demyelinating diseases.