Multiple sclerosis ‘could be reversed by activating stem cells in brain’
December 6th, 2010 - 1:51 pm ICT by ANILondon, Dec 6 (ANI): A new study has suggested that the damage caused by multiple sclerosis could be reversed by activating stem cells that can repair injury in the central nervous system.
Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh have identified a mechanism essential for regenerating insulating layers- known as myelin sheaths-that protect nerve fibres in the brain.
In multiple sclerosis, loss of myelin leads to the nerve fibres in the brain becoming damaged. These nerve fibres are important as they send messages to other parts of the body.
The scientists believe that this research will help in identifying drugs to encourage myelin repair in multiple sclerosis patients.
Robin Franklin, Director of the MS Society’s Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair at the University of Cambridge, said: “Therapies that repair damage are the missing link in treating multiple sclerosis. In this study we have identified a means by which the brain’s own stem cells can be encouraged to undertake this repair, opening up the possibility of a new regenerative medicine for this devastating disease.”
Charles ffrench-Constant, of the University of Edinburgh’s MS Society Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research, said: “The aim of our research is to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis with the eventual aim of stopping and reversing it. This discovery is very exciting as it could potentially pave the way to find drugs that could help repair damage caused to the important layers that protect nerve cells in the brain.”
The study was published in Nature Neuroscience. (ANI)
- Gene therapy boosts cell repair in brain disorders - Feb 12, 2012
- 'Axonal damage is reversible' in multiple sclerosis - Mar 28, 2011
- Boffins find protein that lets brain repair damage from multiple sclerosis - Jun 08, 2010
- Potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis identified - Jan 12, 2011
- Virus infection can incite odd immune cells to attack nerves in multiple sclerosis - Jun 12, 2010
- Cheese, milk diet vital for smarter brain - Mar 06, 2012
- Blocking protein could halt debilitating brain disease - Apr 30, 2012
- Viagra reverses nerve disease: Study - May 22, 2011
- Potential new multiple sclerosis treatment - Nov 19, 2010
- Healthy prion proteins protect nerve cells - Jan 25, 2010
- Saffron may help protect brain cells from lasting damage - Nov 07, 2011
- New study offers hope to those with multiple sclerosis - Feb 24, 2011
- Statins 'slow multiple sclerosis progression' - Apr 15, 2010
- Protein that keeps neuro signals intact offers clue into brain disorders - Mar 15, 2011
- New findings could lead to improved treatment of spinal cord injuries - Nov 16, 2010
Tags: aim, brain, cambridge centre, central nervous system, discovery, missing link, ms society, multiple sclerosis, multiple sclerosis research, myelin sheaths, nature neuroscience, nerve cells, nerve fibres, regenerative medicine, robin franklin, scientists, sclerosis patients, stem cells, university of cambridge, university of edinburgh