Scientific Program
Physiological and pathological processes
RESEARCH GROUP
Molecular mechanisms of Oligodendrocyte-Neuron interaction & pathologies associated with myelin
Beatriz Cubelos Álvarez
Myelin pathologies, such as Multiple Sclerosis, affect more than 2 million people worldwide. Establishing the molecular bases responsible for the myelination processes is essential to understand these neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our research group studies the mechanisms of differentiation and myelination of oligodendrocytes.
Research
In our laboratory, we focus on studying the neurological component of demyelinating pathologies, with a specific emphasis on investigating the molecular mechanisms responsible for myelination processes in the Central Nervous System (CNS). We know that proper myelination is crucial for the correct transmission of nerve impulses. In the CNS, oligodendrocytes play a fundamental role in myelinating neuronal axons, a complex process involving multiple cellular interactions. Diseases resulting from improper myelination, such as Multiple Sclerosis or leukodystrophies, currently lack effective treatments.
Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for oligodendrocyte maturation and how oligodendrocyte-neuron interaction is established is crucial for advancing the study of these myelin diseases. Our group has demonstrated the importance of R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 GTPases, essential proteins in oligodendrocyte differentiation and survival, as well as in maintaining energy homeostasis.
Our experimental models, lacking R-Ras1 and/or R-Ras2, faithfully reproduce the symptomatic characteristics of myelin diseases, suggesting that they could be used as models for the development of new treatments based on the neurological component. Overall, our work seeks to shed light on the molecular processes underlying demyelinating pathologies and open new avenues for the development of effective therapies.
Group members
Beatriz Cubelos Alvarez
Lab.: 305 Ext.: 4650
bcubelos(at)cbm.csic.es
Berta Alcover Sánchez
Lab.: 305 Ext.: 4650
berta.alcover(at)cbm.csic.es
María Sáez Santacruz
Lab.: 305 Ext.: 4650
Selected publications
R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 Expression in Anatomical Regions and Cell Types of the Central Nervous System
Gonzalo Garcia-Martin et al.
Pathways Involved in Remyelination after Cerebral Ischemia
Gonzalo Garcia-Martin et al.
Absence of R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 causes mitochondrial
alterations that trigger axonal degeneration in a
hypomyelinating disease model
Berta Alcover-Sanchez et al.
R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 are essential for oligodendrocyte differentiation and survival for correct myelination in the central nervous system
Miriam Sanz-Rodriguez et al.
Latest publications
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