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Chemical compound produces beneficial inflammation, remyelination that could help treat MS

A chemical compound called indazole chloride has been shown to produce beneficial inflammation and remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients. This process can help repair damaged axons and restore myelin, potentially reducing disability burden. The findings provide a promising new treatment avenue for the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2018

Introduction of a novel system for in vitro analyses of zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Researchers have developed a novel in vitro platform to analyze zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which could lead to improved spinal cord repair in humans. The system allows for efficient and controlled analysis of these cells, enabling the study of their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017

Firing of neurons changes the cells that insulate them

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that different firing patterns of neurons alter proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors, which provide insulation to neuronal axons. The findings suggest a complex interplay between neurons and non-neuronal cells supporting them.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 22, 2017

Glia, not neurons, are most affected by brain aging

Researchers found that glial cells experience bigger changes than neurons as people age, with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes shifting their regional gene expression patterns upon aging. The study provides a tool to understand how aging in the brain may be linked to the causes of age-related disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

From chick to bedside: Removing the Wnt barrier

By disabling the Wnt signaling pathway, researchers may be able to repair damaged white matter in the brain, a potential breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that targeting the Daam2/PIP5K interaction could accelerate oligodendrocyte differentiation and promote myelination.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 5, 2015

NYSCF scientists one step closer to cell therapy for multiple sclerosis patients

Researchers at The New York Stem Cell Foundation have developed a new protocol to induce pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells implicated in multiple sclerosis. This accelerated approach cuts production time almost in half, enabling researchers to study disease progression and develop potential treatments.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 24, 2014

'Master switch' for myelination in human brain stem cells is identified

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified SOX10 as a key transcription factor that initiates myelination in human brain cells. This discovery brings researchers closer to developing a viral or pharmaceutical approach to inducing SOX10 in MS patients, which could lead to a more effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Changes in nerve cells may contribute to the development of mental illness

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that social isolation can reduce myelin production in mice, affecting the formation of new oligodendrocytes and leading to behavioral changes. Reintroduction into a social group reverses these effects, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve cells.

Study finds gene related to brain development and function plays causal role in schizophrenia

A new study found that variations of the OLIG2 gene are strongly associated with schizophrenia. The gene plays a crucial role in myelin production and is coordinated with other genes involved in myelination and schizophrenia development. This causal link may help researchers develop new therapeutic targets for the debilitating illness.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2006