Multilayered myelin sheaths surround axons in the CNS and are required for saltatory conduction. Persistent disturbance of myelin formation leads to several brain diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, an inflammation-mediated event results in demyelination, and ultimate failure of remyelination and axonal loss cause disease progression. The myelin sheath extends from processes of oligodendrocytes. The most prominent and crucial protein in myelin biogenesis is myelin basic protein (MBP). MBP facilitates compaction by stabilizing the inner leaflets of the membranes. To prevent ectopic expression, MBP is transported to the processes as mRNA in specific granules where it is translated ‘on site’. Myelin biogenesis is exogenous regulated by many inhibiting or stimulating factors that can be divided in contact-dependent factors and soluble factors. In the present report, these factors are described in association to MBP expression. The regulation during developmental myelination is compared with the regulation in MS lesions, followed by suggestions for therapeutic targets that aim for enhanced and correct MBP expression and thereby remyelination in MS.
