TOWARD A TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL OF REMYELINATION

The molecular mechanisms necessary for remyelination by oligodendrocyt es remain unexplored. We previously characterized a myelin basic prote in promoter-lacZ (MBP-lacZ) transgene whose expression is regulated un iquely during development and also in pathological situations, suggest ing that it may be a useful reporter of molecular mechanisms during re myelination. As a first step toward creating a transgenic mouse model of remyelination, we cultured oligodendrocytes from these transgenic m ice and showed that expression of MBP-lacZ appeared in parallel with a marker of oligodendrocyte maturation, galactocerebroside (GC). In add ition, basic fibroblast growth factor blocked the expression of both M BP-lacZ and GC in these cells. Therefore, expression of MBP-lacZ refle cts not only the developmental stage of oligodendrocytes, but also ext rinsic influences on oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that MBP-lac Z may be a useful marker in transgenic mouse models of remyelination.