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Is ROS a good drug target for myelin repair?

Test tube and lab equipment
Lead researcher:
Dr Mark Kotter
Based at:
University of Cambridge
MS Society funding:
£296,617
Status:
Active

About the project

In MS, the protective myelin coating around nerve cells is damaged. Myelin-producing cells, called oligodendrocytes, are needed to repair the damage. But in MS, they don’t always form when and where they're needed, or produce myelin at the right time.

Mark’s team have shown that special chemicals known as reactive oxygen species (or ROS) are important in stimulating oligodendrocytes to produce new myelin. In this project the researchers will evaluate ROS as a potential drug target for treating MS. The team will also investigate how ROS is able to promote myelin repair, hopefully identifying new pathways for treatment development.

How will it help people with MS?

Finding treatments that will slow and stop MS is our top research priority. To help everyone with MS, especially people with progressive forms of the condition, we need treatments that boost the natural process of myelin repair in the brain and spinal cord.

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.