Researchers are one step closer to demonstrating the potential of a brain molecule called fractalkine to halt and even reverse the effects of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the myelin, or fatty lining of nerve cells, is eroded, leading to nerve damage and slower signalling between the brain and the body. MS symptoms range from blurred vision to complete paralysis, and while there are treatments, the causes are not fully understood and nothing exists to reverse the disease process.
In new research published in Stem Cell Reports, researchers injected fractalkine into mice with chemically induced MS.
They found the treatment increased the number of new oligodendrocytes — vital brain and spinal cord cells that produce myelin in both embryonic and adult brains — which are damaged during the MS autoimmune attack.
“If we can replace those lost or damaged oligodendrocytes, then they could make new myelin and it is believed that would halt the disease progression, or maybe even reverse some of the symptoms,” the senior author says. “That's the Holy Grail in the research community and something that we're very passionate about.”
The authors earlier research tested the safety and efficacy of fractalkine in normal mice and found similar beneficial effects. Other researchers have demonstrated that fractalkine may provide protection for nerves in mouse models before the disease is induced, but this is the first time it has been tested on animals that already have the disease.
The team observed new oligodendrocytes, as well as reactivated progenitor cells that can regenerate oligodendrocytes, in the brains of the treated animals. Remyelination occurred in both the white and grey matter.
The researchers also observed a reduction in inflammation, part of the damage caused by the immune system. Next steps for the treatment include testing it in other diseased mouse models, including those with neurodegenerative diseases other than MS.
https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/fulltext/S2213-6711(22)00590-2
http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=publications%2Ffractalkine-enhances&filter=22
Fractalkine triggers brain repair in MS
- 1,205 views
- Added
Latest News
How molecules in a cell int…
By newseditor
Posted 02 Dec
Genetic programmes underlie…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
APOE variant neurons releas…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Reducing vitamin B5 slows b…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Mouse brain is 'rewired' du…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Other Top Stories
Earliest events following HIV infection unraveled!
Read more
Tuberculosis bacteria build 'edible' havens in immune cells
Read more
Transfer of Gut Bacteria Affects Brain Function and Nerve Fiber Ins…
Read more
Probiotics stop menopause-like bone loss in mice
Read more
Single antibody infusions provide durable protection against HIV-li…
Read more
Protocols
Temporally multiplexed imag…
By newseditor
Posted 02 Dec
Efficient elimination of ME…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Personalized drug screening…
By newseditor
Posted 30 Nov
Multi-chamber cardioids unr…
By newseditor
Posted 29 Nov
Microfluidic-based skin-on-…
By newseditor
Posted 28 Nov
Publications
APOE4-promoted gliosis and…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Sensory neuronal STAT3 is c…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Vitamin B5 supports MYC onc…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Longitudinal evolution of d…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Pre-RNA splicing in metabol…
By newseditor
Posted 01 Dec
Presentations
Hydrogels in Drug Delivery
By newseditor
Posted 12 Apr
Lipids
By newseditor
Posted 31 Dec
Cell biology of carbohydrat…
By newseditor
Posted 29 Nov
RNA interference (RNAi)
By newseditor
Posted 23 Oct
RNA structure and functions
By newseditor
Posted 19 Oct
Posters
A chemical biology/modular…
By newseditor
Posted 22 Aug
Single-molecule covalent ma…
By newseditor
Posted 04 Jul
ASCO-2020-HEALTH SERVICES R…
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar
ASCO-2020-HEAD AND NECK CANCER
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar
ASCO-2020-GENITOURINARY CAN…
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar