The Popko laboratory has a long-standing interest in the myelin sheath. Myelin is the multilayered membrane structure that surrounds most axons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This extension of the myelinating glial cells’ plasma membrane promotes the very rapid nerve conduction velocities that are required in higher vertebrates, and it provides critical trophic support to the axons. Myelin is produced by Schwan cells in the peripheral nervous system and by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Our research interests include studies designed to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development, the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath. We also devote considerable effort to gaining a better understanding of the neurological disorders that disrupt the myelination process during development and the maintenance of the myelin sheath in adults. In addition, we are particularly interested in developing therapeutic approaches to protect the myelinating cells from cytotoxic insult and to enhance the remyelination of demyelinated axons.
The research efforts in our laboratory focus largely on mouse models. Over the years we have developed a number of genetic mouse model systems that allow for the manipulation of gene expression in the myelinating glial cells of the CNS and PNS. These efforts have contributed to our detailed understanding of the function of particular proteins and lipids in Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes. In addition, we use techniques that allow for the purification and culturing of primary Schwan cells and oligodendrocytes from rodents. These purified cells allow for their manipulation and analysis in isolation.
Over the years our laboratory has been very fortunate to be the recipient of generous financial support. Our research efforts have been consistently and substantially funded by the National Institutes of Health. In addition, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has provided generous financial support to our research efforts, including critical training support to postdoctoral fellows. Our laboratory was fortunate to be a founding member of the groundbreaking effort of the Myelin Repair Foundation. More recently, we have been selected to participate in the efforts of the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation.
