The nodes of Ranvier have clustered Na+ and K+ channels necessary for rapid and efficient
axonal action potential conduction. However, detailed mechanisms of channel clustering …

Myelinated nerve fibers are essential for the rapid propagation of action potentials by
saltatory conduction. They form as the result of reciprocal interactions between axons and …

Basement membranes are widely distributed extracellular matrices that coat the basal
aspect of epithelial and endothelial cells and surround muscle, fat, and Schwann cells …

Whereas the central nervous system (CNS) usually cannot regenerate, peripheral nerves
regenerate spontaneously after injury because of a permissive environment and activation …

An astonishing number of extracellular matrix glycoproteins are expressed in dynamic
patterns in the developing and adult nervous system. Neural stem cells, neurons, and glia …

In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells are glial cells that are in intimate contact
with axons throughout development. Schwann cells generate the insulating myelin sheath …

The evolution of complex nervous systems in vertebrates has been accompanied by, and
probably dependent on, the acquisition of the myelin sheath. Although there has been …

Efficient and rapid propagation of action potentials in myelinated axons depends on the
molecular specialization of the nodes of Ranvier. The nodal region is organized into several …

Peripheral nerves contain large myelinated and small unmyelinated (Remak) fibers that
perform different functions. The choice to myelinate or not is dictated to Schwann cells by the …

α-and β-dystroglycan constitute a membrane-spanning complex that connects the
extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. Although a structural role for dystroglycan had been …