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schwann cells

·February 6, 2024·5 min read

Schwann Cells Key to Touch and Pain

Schwann cells, previously known for their role as insulators around nerve fibers, are actively involved in detecting sensory stimuli such as touch and pain. This groundbreaking study reveals that specific types of Schwann cells form a network just beneath the skin's surface, directly connecting to nerve endings responsible for sensing mechanical pressure.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 25, 2020·6 min read

Unique Schwann Cells: The Eyes Have It

Researchers discovered the genetic properties of the glial cells that wrap around axons in our corneas have the potential for nerve regeneration and vision preservation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 26, 2020·5 min read

Newly Discovered ‘Support System’ for Axons Suggests a Novel Therapeutic Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases

A preclinical study reports Schwann cells assist injured axons by releasing protective sugars. The findings have positive implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.

This shows microspheres with neural growth factor

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 22, 2020·3 min read

Synthetic nerve conduit bridges the gap in arm nerve repair

A new synthetic conduit can bridge large nerve gaps by guiding the regrowth of neurons. When implanted into the arms of macaques with nerve defects in their arms, the conduit boosted neurogenesis and the nerve's ability to conduct signals for a year.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·August 15, 2019·2 min read

New pain organ discovered in the skin

In a groundbreaking finding, researchers have identified a new sensory organ under the skin that can detect pain as a result of impact or pinpricks. The organ comprises of glial cells with multiple long protrusions which collectively make up the mesh-like organ under the skin.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 11, 2019·5 min read

First step to induce self-repair in the central nervous system

Severed axonal segments signal to Schwann cells to begin actin sphere formation and axon disintegration. If the process is disrupted, axon disintegration is slowed and axon fragments impair nerve regeneration.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 5, 2019·4 min read

Discovery reveals prolific ability of Schwann cells to generate myelin

Schwann cells are much more prolific in generating myelin than previously believed. Knocking out the fbxw7 gene in mouse models, researchers discovered individual Schwann cells began to spread myelin across many axons.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2019·3 min read

Guardians of the Synapse: A New Role For Schwann Cells Identified

Schwann cells help protect nerves against blood clotting factors that cause degeneration, researchers report.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 6, 2019·4 min read

The Key Function of Specialized Cells in Peripheral Nerve Repair

Study sheds light on how macrophages use a specific cell signalling pathway to control peripheral nerve repair following damage.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 7, 2017·3 min read

Nerve Study Shows How Cells Adapt to Help Repair Damage

A Cell Reports study identifies molecules that allow Schwann cells to help regenerate nerves.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 10, 2017·6 min read

Research Offers Hope For NF2 Neuro-Tumor Patients

Researchers from the University of Plymouth have discovered the tole PrPC plays in the development of neurofibromatosis 2 tumors. According to the study, the prion protein is overproduced in schwannomas, compared with healthy Schwann cells. This overproduction is a result of Merlin deficiency and contributed to tumor growth in NF2 patients.