Teaching old mice a new trick: the role of new myelin in acquiring motor skills in the aged brain
Supervisors:
Cassandra Sampaio-Baptista, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Glasgow
Cheryl Hawkes, Lancaster University
Summary:
In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is primarily produced by oligodendrocytes (OLs) that ensheath axons with myelin segments. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) can differentiate into OLs and persist in adulthood. Myelin plays a vital role in motor skill acquisition, spatial learning, and working memory. Most studies have analysed OL and OPC function in young mice, despite the fact that myelin dynamics show age-related decline. Further, in contrast to younger individuals, older adults exhibit slower motor learning and lower performance levels. However, the relationship between myelin dynamics and motor learning in the aged brain has not been directly tested.
We aim to investigate the relationship between oligodendrocyte dynamics and motor learning in aged mice. Additionally, we will assess the effects of the ablation of new oligodendrocyte on motor performance and the potential benefits of exercise in promoting OPC proliferation and motor performance. Our findings will deepen our understanding of myelin dynamics in ageing and its connection to behavior and motor performance. This insight may reveal new therapeutic avenues for interventions in older adults to enhance motor skill learning and rehabilitation through oligodendrocyte dynamics modulation.
This research will equip students with expertise in cell biology, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, behavioral testing, MRI, and advanced statistical analysis.