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Which proteins cause nerve damage in progressive MS?

Photo: Closeup of microscope
Lead researcher:
Prof Gabriele DeLuca
Based at:
University of Oxford
MS Society funding:
£232,673
Status:
Active

About the project

When nerve cells die in MS it can result in permanent disability. Gabriele’s lab has shown that a protein molecule called fibrinogen is found in higher amounts in the brains of people with progressive MS. More fibrinogen is associated with more nerve loss. And in animal studies, fibrinogen has been shown to stimulate special immune cells called microglia to release proteins that damage nerves.

Gabriele’s team will compare the proteins released by microglia cells in brain tissue from people with and without MS. They'll investigate if these proteins differ in brains with high and low levels of fibrinogen. They'll also see if certain genes play a role in how microglia react to fibrinogen. This work will identify proteins associated with nerve cell loss in MS, and what causes them to be produced by immune cells.

How will it help people with MS?

By identifying the nerve-damaging molecules that are released in the brain in MS, we can develop treatments to stop them. This project will help us to understand more about the causes of nerve loss in MS and how the condition advances in progressive MS.

The difference you can make

We want everyone with MS to have access to the treatments they need to live well with MS. With your help, we can continue to support vital research like this.