Oligodendrocytes At The Crossroads: Central Players And Interactive Partners In White Matter Aging
As we age, our brains undergo changes, and one significant area affected is the “white matter,” which is crucial for fast communication between different parts of the brain. The decline in white matter integrity can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities and motor function.
At the heart of this process are specialized brain cells called oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for creating myelin, a fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers, allowing electrical signals to travel quickly and efficiently. However, as these cells age, they experience problems such as failing to mature properly, metabolic and mitochondrial deficits (issues with energy production), and changes in gene regulation. These intrinsic aging processes lead to the thinning of myelin and a reduced ability to support nerve fibers.
Furthermore, the degeneration of white matter is amplified by dysfunctional interactions with other brain cells. For instance, microglia, the brain’s immune cells, become less effective at clearing cellular debris and can turn inflammatory. Astrocytes, another type of glial cell, disrupt the balance of fats in the brain and release inflammatory signals. Problems with blood vessels also hinder the supply of essential nutrients, and the infiltration of T cells (immune cells) can further damage oligodendrocytes.
Understanding these complex cellular changes and the intricate communication between different brain cells is vital. This knowledge can pave the way for developing new strategies to maintain the health of white matter, support myelin production, protect against cellular damage from oxidative stress, and boost the brain’s natural ability to repair itself, ultimately helping to preserve cognitive function as we get older.
Source: link to paper