The brain is a complex organ that relies on efficient communication between nerve cells to carry out various functions. One crucial aspect of this communication is the speed at which signals are transmitted, which is facilitated by a protective layer of insulation called myelin. Oligodendrocytes are specialized cells in the brain that are responsible for coating the long extensions of nerve cells with myelin, ensuring the smooth flow of information.
Recent research conducted by a team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen and the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim has shed light on a new influencing factor that affects oligodendrocytes. The growth factor erythropoietin (EPO), known for its role in blood formation, has been found to promote the development and maturation of oligodendrocytes. This discovery is significant because EPO, which is also produced in the brain during mental or physical exertion, can have similar effects on these specialized cells.
The study, published in Nature Communications, revealed that EPO stimulates the development of oligodendrocytes, supporting the formation of myelin layers around nerve cells. The researchers used single-nuclei RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of EPO on gene activation and suppression in these cells. They found that EPO influences genes related to cell maturation, signaling, and cognitive abilities. Mice lacking a specific EPO receptor in mature oligodendrocytes showed disruptions in the myelin structure of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory.
The findings suggest that EPO not only plays a role in blood formation but also in cognitive processes. This opens up new therapeutic possibilities for treating cognitive disorders or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s using EPO as a drug or by activating the body’s own EPO system through activities such as motor-cognitive training.
Overall, the study highlights the potential of EPO in improving brain function and offers new insights into the role of this growth factor in enhancing learning and thought processes. By harnessing the power of EPO, researchers may pave the way for innovative treatments for various neurological conditions in the future.
