The role of Dicer and miRNAs in Schwann cell development.

<p>In the absence of Dicer, Schwann cells develop normally to the pro-myelin stage with properly sorted axons (light yellow). The presence of Dicer is required for acquisition of myelination competence by Schwann cells (turquoise). When Dicer is removed from Schwann cells (red), reduction of miRNAs leads to Schwann cell hyperproliferation and degeneration, suggesting that miRNAs are essential both for driving maturing Schwann cells into cell cycle arrest and terminal differentiation, as well as for their survival.