Dynamism and Life-Long Plasticity of Myelin Producing Cells in Health and Disease

Emerging evidence for the role of myelin in the developing and adult nervous system suggests a role for complex behaviors in health and disease. Since the last Myelin GRC in 2022, novel concepts have emerged on the lifelong plasticity for the oligodendroglial lineage, the mechanisms for cell-cell interactions that both inhibit and induce the formation and integration of new myelin internodes, as well as the role for myelin in circuit plasticity and learning and memory. These advances include: new insights into myelinating glial cell responses to injury and genetic diseases, a growing recognition of the importance of glial-glial interactions in myelination (in addition to neuron-glial interactions), and new models of how remyelination may be achieved. The 2024 Myelin GRC will provide data on these recent development in both healthy and injured central and peripheral nervous systems. The meeting will also focus on translation; emerging pathways involved in repair in peripheral neuropathies and multiple sclerosis will be discussed as well as novel approaches and targets for repair.

Together, the 2024 Myelin GRC will: 1) assemble an international meeting of academic scientists, clinician/scientists, and industry scientists engaged in studies of myelination and myelin repair; 2) discuss new and exciting developments in the field by selecting presenters who will largely present unpublished data and by reserving presentation slots for talks selected from the abstracts; 3) promote collaborative interactions to accelerate the pace of discovery to treat diseases of myelin; 4) provide an opportunity for junior attendees of diverse backgrounds to present their work, interact with other scientists, and promote collaborative interactions among all participants. If you would like to be considered for a short talk, please submit your abstract by December 1, 2023.

This GRC will be held in conjunction with the "Myelin" Gordon Research Seminar (GRS). Those interested in attending both meetings must submit an application for the GRS in addition to an application for the GRC. Refer to the associated GRS program page for more information.