Schwann cell extends its cell membrane to wrap around segments of axon concentrically for multiple layers and forms the myelin. Demyelination removes segments of myelin along the nerve fibers. This pathology occurs in a group of neurological disorders with collectively high prevalence: Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) and multiple sclerosis. Myelin may be abnormally developed (dysmyelination) in inherited neurological diseases. Therefore, it is highly desirable if molecular targets can be identified and manipulated to repair myelin. Motivated by our recent observations, we propose this study to deals with myelin junction proteins and p21 activated kinase (PAK)-related pathway that likely become the molecular target. Our studies have discovered that hyperactive p21-activated kinase-1 (PAK1) plays a key role in removal of myelin junctions in matured myelin. These junctions are made by proteins that seal the small spaces between layers of myelin. Removal of myelin junctions lead to excessively permeable myelin in a mouse with a deletion of one of two copies of Pmp22 genes (Pmp22+/-), an authentic model for HNPP. The junction removal is an early event upstream to the segmental demyelination. In contrast, we recently observed that deficiency of PAK2 (another family member of PAK in the peripheral nerves) in Schwann cells results in severe dysmyelination with pathological changes similar to that seen in patients with congenital hypomyelination, suggesting a critical function of PAK2 in myelin development. Thus, relative levels of PAK1/PAK2 activation may differentially affect myelin development and maintenance. In this study, we will first verify the causal relationship between hyperactive PAK1 and removal of myelin junctions / demyelination in several peripheral neuropathy mouse models. We will then examine how PAK2 regulates myelin development. Finally, we will test whether PAK can be targeted to treat other peripheral nerve diseases. 1

Principal Investigator: Li, Jun Demyelination removes segments of myelin along the nerve fibers. This pathology occurs in a group of neurological disorders with collectively high prevalence. In this study, we will test a novel mechanism upstream to segmental demyelination by disrupting myelin junctions. We will explore treatment to stop the disruption of myelin junctions, preventing myelin from being removed (demyelination). 1