William Talbot and colleagues show that a kinesin motor protein, Kif1b, is required for the specific localization of mRNAs that encode myelin proteins in central nervous system glia and mediates the development of myelinated axons. Kif1b has previously been linked to the susceptibility of multiple sclerosis, and damage to myelinated axons is central to the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. This suggests mechanisms by which defects in Kif1b may contribute to the disease.
- David A Lyons
- Stephen G Naylor
- William S Talbot
