How can we enhance myelin repair?
In the brain and spinal cord, nerve cells are wrapped by myelin. Myelin is made by cells called oligodendrocytes. These start life as oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).
In MS, myelin is damaged which leads to nerve cell loss. This damage and loss cause the symptoms of MS. We already know OPCs can repair myelin by making new oligodendrocytes. But this process is slower with age and in MS.
About the project
This project aims to better understand myelin repair and to discover new ways to stimulate it.
The OPCs have many molecules on their surface. The team previously found when they activated one type of molecule they triggered OPCs to develop into myelin-making oligodendrocytes. They also found they could speed up this process with drugs. Now they want to find out exactly what’s happening when the cells change to oligodendrocytes. And, find out if it can repair damaged myelin, not just make new cells in the brain.
In this project, they'll work out exactly where and when these molecules show up on the surface of the OPCs. This will help them decide how best to activate the molecules with drugs.
How will it help people with MS?
This project will explain how to use one type of molecule on OPCs in a new way. They will understand how to use it to enhance the efficiency of myelin repair. This could help our understanding on how to do the same for people with MS. So researchers will be able to find more drugs for trials in the future.
