Schwann cells are early and active participants of axonal degeneration

Abstract

Axonal degeneration in adult organisms is a common end point of several diseases leading to loss of neuronal function and circuit remodeling. It has been long assumed that axonal degeneration takes place by means of neuronal intrinsic mechanisms, fully contained within axons. Nevertheless, the participation of other cellular types in this degenerative process has been largely overlooked. We have found that SCs actively participates in axonal degeneration, fragmenting the axon through a cytokinesis-like mechanism. Interestingly, this gliamediated mechanism activates an autonomous mitochondrial-dependent process of axonal disintegration. We are currently exploring the participation of this glia associated mechanism in remodeling of circuits during ageing as well as in neurodegenerative conditions associated to loss of axons.