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Clinical relevance of terminal Schwann cells: An overlooked component of the neuromuscular junction
Author(s) -
Santosa Katherine B.,
Keane Alexandra M.,
JablonkaShariff Albina,
Vannucci Bianca,
SnyderWarwick Alison K.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of neuroscience research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.72
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1097-4547
pISSN - 0360-4012
DOI - 10.1002/jnr.24231
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , neuromuscular junction , neuroscience , schwann cell , medicine , regeneration (biology) , pathogenesis , disease , biology , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology
The terminal Schwann cell (tSC), a type of nonmyelinating Schwann cell, is a significant yet relatively understudied component of the neuromuscular junction. In addition to reviewing the role tSCs play on formation, maintenance, and remodeling of the synapse, we review studies that implicate tSCs in neuromuscular diseases including spinal muscular atrophy, Miller–Fisher syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others. We also discuss the importance of these cells on degeneration and regeneration after nerve injury. Knowledge of tSC biology may improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and help us identify new and innovative therapeutic strategies for the many patients who suffer from neuromuscular disorders and nerve injuries.