# Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cell Mechanisms of Axon Selection for Myelination

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2022 · $38,030

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Oligodendrocytes are the resident myelinating cell type of the central nervous system. Recent work indicates
that different classes of neurons have differing patterns and distribution of myelin along their axons. Yet only
recently has the identity of the axons been considered with respect to myelination. Thus, the mechanisms of
axon signaling and selection for myelination remain largely unknown. Our lab and others have shown that
neuronal activity increases myelination and synaptic vesicle release occurs along axons underneath myelin
sheaths, suggesting oligodendrocytes may need to be able to receive and interpret neurotransmitter signaling.
A single oligodendrocyte can myelinate up to 40 distinct axons, posing a unique situation where an individual
cell may need to adapt to signaling from many different neurons. How might this be achieved? Oligodendrocytes
express many canonical post-synaptic factors, ostensibly to aid in signaling between the axon and myelin sheath,
but the role these proteins play in myelinating cells is largely unknown. Using a zebrafish model, this proposal
will utilize genetic approaches and in vivo imaging to address two fundamental concepts: is there a pattern to
the expression and/or localization of these post-synaptic factors in oligodendrocytes and does this correspond
to wrapped axonal identity; and what function do they serve in the process of myelination. This will be achieved
in two aims: Aim 1 tests what post-synaptic factors are expressed, where these post-synaptic proteins localize,
and when are they important; and Aim 2 tests how these proteins function to facilitate myelination, and if there
is a correlation between axon identity and localization and function of post-synaptic proteins in myelinating
oligodendrocytes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10386033
- **Project number:** 1F31NS125915-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Natalie J Carey
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $38,030
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-01-04 → 2024-11-03

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10386033

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10386033, Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cell Mechanisms of Axon Selection for Myelination (1F31NS125915-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10386033. Licensed CC0.

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