The quest for myelin in the adult brain

Although myelination largely occurs during early postnatal life, myelinating oligodendrocytes are still generated in the adult brain. Myelin turnover in the adult is necessary for proper neuronal function and is gravely compromised in myelin disorders. The lineage relationship between adult neural stem cells and adult-born oligodendrocytes has been clarified, highlighting molecular pathways that could potentially be targeted to favour de novo myelination in pathological situations.