Myelin Alteration in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Integrating Clinical and Preclinical Evidence.

Authors

Justyna Lubińska, Maya Śliwa, Małgorzata Filip, Jolanta H Kotlińska, Irena Smaga

Published in

Current neuropharmacology. Jul 10, 2026. Epub Jul 10, 2026.

Abstract

Myelination is a fundamental neurobiological process that enables rapid and efficient neural signal transmission, playing a key role in shaping brain connectivity and function-particularly during early development. Given the high energetic cost and tight developmental timing of myelination, disruptions in myelin formation or maintenance can increase vulnerability to genetic and environmental factors during critical periods. As such, impaired myelination and oligodendrocyte dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of myelin-related changes in the pathophysiology of NDDs-including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), intellectual developmental disorders, and communication, motor, and specific learning disorders-integrating findings from both animal models and human research. Taken together, the evidence suggests that myelin-related pathways represent a common point of vulnerability across disorders and may offer a potential target for intervention.

PMID:
42460527
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Jul 2026.

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