@article{7089,
  keywords = {Axons, Humans, Nerve Regeneration, Neuronal Plasticity, Schwann Cells},
  author = {Bhatheja K and Field J},
  title = {Schwann cells: origins and role in axonal maintenance and regeneration.},
  abstract = {<p>The Schwann cell plays a vital role in maintaining the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cells are derived from neural crest cells, and come in two types either myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cells. Both play a pivotal role in the maintenance and regeneration of axons of the neurons in the PNS. The regulation of Schwann cells is mediated a number of different neurotrophic factors which signal to transcription factors such as Krox-20, Oct-6 and Sox-10. Schwann cells are affected in a number of demyelinating disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Guillain-Barré Syndrome, infected by Mycobacterium leprae to cause leprosy and are responsible for the tumors seen in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2. The Schwann cell is under investigation as a therapeutic agent for demyelinating diseases and spinal cord injuries. Further research on Schwann cells will help understand these diseases and perhaps lead to new treatments.</p>},
  year = {2006},
  journal = {The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology},
  volume = {38},
  pages = {1995-9},
  month = {2006},
  issn = {1357-2725},
  doi = {10.1016/j.biocel.2006.05.007},
  language = {eng},
}