In collaboration with Dr. Michelle Monje at Stanford University, a team of researchers in the Washington University NF Center (Drs. Gutmann and Pan) recently published in Nature Neuroscience. This work sought to understand how NF1 mutations affect oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). OPCs are actively dividing cells in the brain that give rise to oligodendrocytes, which provide the insulating myelin sheath to neurons. Proper OPC function during homeostasis and their response to neuronal activity (plasticity) are critical for normal brain function. Using a collection of genetically engineered mouse models of NF1, this study uncovered that NF1 mutations dysregulate both the homeostasis and plasticity of OPCs, leading to impaired motor learning. This work identified new contributors to neurological issues in NF1, opening a new avenue for potential therapeutic strategies.
Link to the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01654-y