THE
PELES
LAB
Myelin, a multi-lamellar membrane produced by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, ensheathes the axon and allows efficient and rapid propagation of action potentials. The myelin membrane covers the axon in segments that are separated by periodic interruptions, known as the nodes of Ranvier. In the underlying axons Na+ channels are clustered at the nodes of Ranvier, separated by a specialized axoglial paranodal junction from K+ channels that are found at the nearby juxtaparanodal region. T
his organization is essential for the saltatory movement of the nerve impulses, and its disturbance results in the pathophysiological changes often seen in demyelinating human disorders.
Research done in our lab is aimed at elucidating how functional myelinated nerves are being developed and maintained. We are focusing our studies on two main questions: i. How the precise molecular organization of the myelinated axonal membrane is being achieved? ii. What are the mechanisms underlying myelination in the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems?
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MYELINATED NERVES
Principal Investigator
Prof. Elior Peles
Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology
Weizmann Institute of Science
Room 115
Wolfson Bldg
76100 Rehovot - Israel
Tel: +972-8-9344561 (office)
Tel: +972-8-9344251 (lab)
Tel: +972-8-9346065 (lab)
e-mail: peles@weizmann.ac.il