Researchers from Singapore have identified the essential role of the transporter protein Mfsd2a in regulating brain cells responsible for maintaining myelin sheaths, which insulate nerves. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, this discovery may lead to therapies that mitigate the effects of aging on the brain and address neurological disorders linked to myelin degradation, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Sengottuvel Vetrivel and his team found that Mfsd2a transports lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a lipid containing omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for the myelination process.
In preclinical models, the absence of Mfsd2a from precursor cells limited the development of oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin, highlighting its critical function. The research indicated that LPC omega-3 lipids direct oligodendrocyte development, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for enhancing myelination in aging individuals. Future studies aim to explore dietary LPC omega-3 supplements’ efficacy in promoting myelination and improving cognitive function during aging. This research represents a significant step toward developing treatments for myelination-related neurological disorders and underlines the importance of lipid transport in brain health.
