In the peripheral nervous system, large caliber axons are ensheathed and
myelinated by Schwann cells. Myelin is crucial for a faster signal transduction
along the nerve. Hence it is not surprising that defects in this myelination
process cause serious neurological disease. Despite the medical importance
of these cells, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms
that control Schwann cell development and myelination is still incomplete.
Continuous communication between Schwann cells and neurons is essential for
the development, differentiation and myelination of peripheral nerves. Previous
studies showed that LGI4 is a secreted protein that is crucial for myelination
and might be a key player in this communication process. The main aim of
this thesis is to elucidate the mechanism of LGI4 function in peripheral nerve
myelination and to identify its interaction partners.
Chapter 1 of this thesis presents an overview of the different types
of cells in the peripheral nervous system with an emphasis on Schwann cell
development and myelination
