Translational Science of Myelin: From Glial Biology to Repair

Our understanding of myelin and myelination is rapidly moving forward. Since the last Myelin GRC in 2018, novel concepts have emerged on the mechanisms and impact of myelin and axon interactions. These advances include: a better understanding of myelinating glial cell heterogeneity, new insights into myelinating glial cell responses to injury, a growing recognition of the importance of glial-glial interactions in myelination (in addition to neuron-glial interactions), and new models of how remyelination may occur in multiple sclerosis. The 2022 Myelin GRC will provide data on these recent development in both healthy and injured central and peripheral nervous systems. The meeting will also focus on translation; emerging pathways involved in repair in peripheral neuropathies and multiple sclerosis will be discussed as well as an update on ongoing clinical trials in multiple sclerosis.

Together, the 2022 Myelin GRC will: 1) assemble an international meeting of academic scientists, clinician/scientists, and industry scientists engaged in studies of myelination and myelin repair; 2) discuss new and exciting developments in the field by selecting presenters who will largely present unpublished data and by reserving presentation slots for talks selected from the abstracts; 3) promote collaborative interactions to accelerate the pace of discovery to treat diseases of myelin; 4) provide an opportunity for junior attendees of diverse backgrounds to present their work, interact with other scientists, and promote collaborative interactions among all participants.