PelesLab

Myelin is an insulating membrane sheath produces by specialized glial cells; Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). It enables fast and efficient nerve conduction, and provides essential trophic support to maintain axonal integrity and survival. Destruction of myelin leads to several neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and is also associated with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Our lab combines molecular, biochemical and advanced light and electron microscopy techniques to study the various aspects of myelinating glial cells and the mechanisms that enable them to form one of the most complex structures found in nature.