Multiple sclerosis patients could benefit from brain boost study
Researchers discovered that increasing brain activity can stimulate myelin production, which protects nerve fibers. This finding could lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis.
Myelin Sheath
Articles tagged with Myelin Sheath
Blood pressure drug protects against symptoms of multiple sclerosis in animal models
A study found that guanabenz, a blood pressure medication, enhances an innate cellular protective response and prevents myelin loss in animal models of multiple sclerosis. The drug's unique mechanism provides protection against MS by reducing inflammation and preserving myelin levels.
New target identified in fight against Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis
Researchers found that a protein called TREM2 triggers the clearance of debris from the brain, which can contribute to neurological diseases. Triggering this protein may help slow the progression of conditions like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
Myelin-maker: How an FDA-approved drug boosts myelin synthesis
Researchers have discovered a way to keep remyelination going using an FDA-approved drug solifenacin, which boosts myelin synthesis and improves auditory function in mice with myelin-related disease. The study shows that targeting human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells with solifenacin promotes differentiation and myelin production.
New brain mapping reveals unknown cell types
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a detailed map of cortical cell types and the genes active within them using single-cell sequencing. They identified 47 different kinds of cells, including hitherto unknown types, which can help shed more light on diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Optic nerve may help predict stroke patient death risk
A new study presents a non-invasive test using optic nerve ultrasound to measure sheath thickness, which can help identify acute stroke patients at high risk of dying within days or months. The findings suggest that larger nerve sheath measurements are associated with increased death risk and disability six months later.
Rare neurological disease shines light on health of essential nerve cells
Researchers have made breakthrough discoveries in understanding Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD), a devastating neurological condition. The study found that myelin-producing cells are still active and can be stimulated to produce more myelin, potentially leading to new treatments for PMD and multiple sclerosis patients.
Scientists find gene vital to central nervous system development
Researchers identified a gene called Gpr56 that regulates nerve cell insulation in the central nervous system. Without proper insulation, nerve cells can't transmit signals efficiently, leading to diseases like multiple sclerosis.
New knowledge about the human brain's plasticity
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that human brains have a higher rate of oligodendrocyte maintenance and can modulate myelin production, enabling faster adaptation and learning. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological diseases such as MS.
Adolescent binge drinking reduces brain myelin, impairs cognitive and behavioral control
Researchers found that adolescent binge drinking causes lasting damage to the prefrontal cortex's myelin sheaths, leading to impaired cognitive and behavioral control. This can lead to increased risk of alcoholism in adulthood and related psychiatric conditions.
Animal study suggests heavy drinking in adolescence associated with lasting brain changes
A study found that heavy drinking in adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain and memory deficits that persist into adulthood. Rats given daily access to alcohol during adolescence had reduced myelin levels and performed worse on a memory test later in life.
Myelin vital for learning new practical skills
Researchers at UCL discovered that new myelin must be made each time a skill is learned later in life, and its structure changes during practice. The team found that once a new skill has been learnt, it is retained even after myelin production stops.
Study identifies unexpected clue to peripheral neuropathies
Researchers discovered that disrupting a tumor suppressor gene disrupts the formation of the protective insulating sheath on peripheral nerves, leading to muscle wasting and neuropathy. The study suggests that normal molecular function of Lkb1 is essential for proper myelination.
MRI shows gray matter myelin loss strongly related to MS disability
Researchers found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) lose myelin in their gray matter, a characteristic of the disease that affects brain function. The study's findings suggest that gray matter demyelination is strongly related to MS disability and have important implications for treatment monitoring and clinical trials.
Potential therapy for incurable Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Researchers have found that the growth factor neuregulin-1 can restore balance to impaired Schwann cells in genetically modified rats with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This imbalance leads to insufficient myelination and nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as numbness and weakness.
Strategies for myelin regeneration: Lessons learned from development
Recent studies have shown that microglia-conditioned culture medium supports OPCs' survival and enhances their differentiation. The role of microglia in remyelination is complex and varies depending on the timing of disease progression. Microglia/macrophage activation can lead to poor remyelination in MS plaques lacking microglia.
Salk scientists uncover new clues to repairing an injured spinal cord
Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a protein that promotes nerve regeneration by disrupting a pair of proteins that inhibit growth. The finding could lead to therapies for thousands of Americans with severe spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Strategies to preserve myelin during secondary degeneration following neurotrauma
Researchers have discovered that preventing abnormalities in the insulating sheath surrounding nerve cells is associated with better function following neurotrauma. Treatment strategies, including calcium channel inhibitors and red/near-infrared irradiation therapy, can preserve myelin and prevent long-term loss of function.
Finding turns neuroanatomy on its head
A new study by Harvard neuroscientists reveals that myelin, the electrical insulating material in nerve cells, is not uniformly distributed along axons. Instead, more evolved neurons in the cerebral cortex have intermittent myelin patterns, which may enable increased neuronal communication and complex behavior.
Unhealthy attachments
The study used atomic force microscopy and surface forces apparatus to measure the strength of adhesion between healthy and diseased myelin bilayers. Researchers found that healthy myelin adsorbs proteins better, maintaining optimal insulation and nerve function.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2014
Tinnitus study signals advance in understanding link between loud sounds exposure and hearing loss
A three-year study published in Neuroscience reveals how loud sound damage affects myelin, the protective sheet around cells, and its correlation to auditory signals failing to transmit during hearing loss. Understanding this link can help develop strategies to prevent or alleviate deafness or tinnitus symptoms.
MRI method for measuring MS progression validated
A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...
SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2013
Preferable treatment for MS found in allogenic bone marrow stem cells
Researchers found that MSCs from MS patients exhibit higher senescence and decreased expression of immune system markers, suggesting a potential problem with autologous stem cell transplants. Allogenic bone marrow stem cells may be a preferable treatment option to maximize their therapeutic potential.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 18, 2013
Molecular sensor detects early signs of multiple sclerosis, Gladstone study finds
A team at Gladstone Institutes has developed a molecular sensor that can detect the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis, including heightened thrombin activity in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and treatment options, shedding light on the underlying molecular processes that drive the disease.
Propofol's effect on the sciatic nerve: Harmful or protective?
A recent study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that propofol can inhibit damage caused by proinflammatory cytokines and exert protective effects on the central nervous system. The experimental findings indicate that propofol promotes regeneration following sciatic nerve injury by reducing inflammation and apoptosis.
Research uncovers new details about brain anatomy and language in young children
Researchers found that brain asymmetry remains constant over time, despite expectations of increased myelin development in left hemisphere regions. The study highlights the importance of environment during critical periods for language acquisition.
Breakthrough offers first direct measurement of spinal cord myelin in multiple sclerosis
Researchers have developed a novel molecular probe detectable by PET imaging, providing the first non-invasive visualization of myelin integrity in the entire spinal cord. The discovery brings new hope for accurate diagnosis and prognosis, allowing clinicians to monitor disease progression and evaluate therapy efficacy.
Sleep boosts production of brain support cells
An animal study shows that sleep increases the reproduction of oligodendrocytes, which form myelin in the brain and spinal cord, doubling their numbers during rapid eye movement sleep. This could lead to new insights into the role of sleep in brain repair and growth.
UC Davis team 'spikes' stem cells to generate myelin
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully generated oligodendrocytes with spiking properties, allowing them to produce myelin and mature into functional brain cells. The enhanced cells showed superior regenerative capacity and produced thicker, longer myelin sheaths than natural cells.
MS research could help repair damage affecting nerves
A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a compound called activin-A that helps trigger the regeneration of protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain. This finding could lead to new drug targets for enhancing myelin regeneration and restoring lost function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
New research points to potential treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis
Researchers discovered that individual oligodendrocytes can coat neurons with myelin for only five hours after birth. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis, including targeting the blockages that prevent cells from producing myelin.
New imaging technique holds promise for speeding MS research
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes electro-magnetic waves for detecting multiple sclerosis changes in fine detail. This method provides a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments and could lead to smaller studies.
Big multiple sclerosis breakthrough
A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.
Hitting 'reset' in protein synthesis restores myelination
Researchers at UB's Hunter James Kelly Research Institute have found that reducing a protein called Gadd34 can improve nerve and muscle function in patients with CMT neuropathies. By leaving protein synthesis partially off, they were able to restore myelination, potentially leading to new treatments for other misfolded protein diseases.
Ordinary skin cells morphed into functional brain cells
Researchers at CWRU School of Medicine discover a technique to directly convert skin cells into myelinating brain cells, potentially treating multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The new method enables rapid production of functional oligodendrocytes, which provide insulation for neurons.
Researchers discover new clues about how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis develops
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that oligodendrocytes play a significant role in the early stage of ALS, with changes occurring long before physical symptoms appear. Suppressing an ALS-causing gene in oligodendrocytes delays disease onset and prolongs survival.
Sea lamprey genome mapped with help from scientists at OU
Scientists at OU, Japan, Germany, US, Canada, and Great Britain collaborate to sequence the sea lamprey genome, providing insights into vertebrate evolution and character traits. The study reveals two whole-genome duplication rounds in vertebrates, shedding light on the origins of myelin and paired appendages.
Cells forged from human skin show promise in treating MS, myelin disorders
Researchers successfully created human brain cells from skin cells, which are highly effective in treating myelin disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The study opens the door to potential new treatments using these cells for neurological diseases characterized by the loss of myelin.
Glial cells assist in the repair of injured nerves
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine found that peripheral glial cells produce neuregulin1 to support nerve repair and myelin regeneration. Neuregulin1 is essential for the maturation of Schwann cells and the regeneration of damaged nerves.
Multiple sclerosis study reveals how killer T cells learn to recognize nerve fiber insulators
Researchers discovered that Tip-dendritic cells activate naive CD8+ T cells to recognize myelin protein, leading to autoimmune reactivity. This finding sheds light on the complex role of CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis pathology.
First oral drug for spinal cord injury improves movement in mice, study shows
Researchers developed an oral drug that improved limb movement and preserved myelin-surfacing cells in mice after a spinal cord injury. The compound efficiently crossed the blood-brain barrier and showed no toxic effects, with the highest dose demonstrating significant improvements in motor function.
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.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 28, 2012
Scientists at Mainz University identify inhibitor of myelin formation in the central nervous system
Researchers discovered a molecule called sncRNA715 that suppresses myelin basic protein synthesis, crucial for myelin formation. This finding may help explain myelination failures in neurological illnesses like multiple sclerosis.
Research breakthrough selectively represses the immune system
Researchers have developed a novel treatment that selectively inhibits the part of the immune system responsible for attacking myelin, reducing inflammation in autoimmune disorders like MS. The therapy uses microscopic particles to induce tolerance in animal models, showing potential for treating MS, type I diabetes, and food allergies.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 18, 2012
New form of brain plasticity: Study shows how social isolation disrupts myelin production
Research shows socially isolated animals produce less myelin in the prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for emotional and cognitive behavior. The study also found that social isolation disrupts oligodendrocyte cell development, leading to changes in gene transcription.
Nerve signal discovery backs Nobel winner's theory
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have proved a 60-year-old theory about how nerve signals are sent around the body at varying speeds. The study found that longer distances between gaps in myelin lead to faster signal transmission, providing insight into nerve damage and development.
Human neural stem cells study offers new hope for children with fatal brain diseases
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have demonstrated that banked human neural stem cells can survive and make functional myelin in mice with severe symptoms of myelin loss. The study provides proof of principle for treating a wide variety of disorders that affect myelin, including cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
Human brains develop wiring slowly, differing from chimpanzees, GW University professor finds
Research reveals human brains develop myelin insulation at a slower rate than chimpanzees, leading to delayed cognitive maturity and increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. This difference may play a key role in human-specific cognitive abilities.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2012
Wayne State research team finds possible clue to progression of MS
A study published in Journal of Neuroimmunology suggests that B cells, a type of immune cell, produce toxic substances that damage myelin and contribute to the progression of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to identify these substances to develop targeted therapies for MS treatment.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateJul 31, 2012
Glial cells supply nerve fibers with energy-rich metabolic products
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine discovered that glial cells pass on metabolites to neurons, enabling them to generate energy. The study found that oligodendrocytes can replenish energy in nerve fibers through glycolysis, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage.
PRB at Wayne State/DMC discover window of opportunity to prevent cerebral palsy
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that an anti-inflammatory drug delivered via a nanodevice can improve CP symptoms in animal models. The findings indicate a window of opportunity for postnatal treatment to prevent the condition, with potential implications for future treatments of neurological disorders.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 18, 2012
Multiple sclerosis: Damaged myelin not the trigger
Researchers refuted the neurodegenerative hypothesis, which suggested myelin damage occurred without an immune system attack. The study found that immune defense played a role in triggering MS-like autoimmune disease.
Caltech researchers develop gene therapy to boost brain repair for demyelinating diseases
Researchers at Caltech have developed a gene therapy that stimulates the production of new oligodendrocytes from stem cells, enabling the brain to replace damaged myelin sheaths in demyelinating diseases like MS. The therapy uses leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to promote remyelination and reduce inflammation.
Hopes for reversing age-associated effects in MS patients
A study published in Cell Stem Cell highlights the possibility of reversing ageing in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The age-associated decline of remyelination, a regenerative process, can be reversed using inflammatory cells from young mice.
Study finds age-related effects in MS may be reversible
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that defects in myelin sheath regeneration surrounding nerves can be at least partially corrected following exposure to young immune cells. This suggests that regenerative therapies may work throughout the duration of MS, regardless of age. The findings provide new hope for treating this disease.
Precision with stem cells a step forward for treating MS, other diseases
Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have improved upon their previous efforts to isolate stem cells for treating multiple sclerosis and rare childhood diseases. The new method resulted in a four-fold increase in myelin coating, making these cells promising candidates for future clinical trials.
Mice stem cells guided into myelinating cells by the trillions
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have successfully guided mouse stem cells into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which can restore myelin on nerves. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for basic research and potential therapies for multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.
New imaging technique evaluates nerve damage
A new imaging technique allows researchers to assess nerve damage and healing in live patients, providing a non-invasive method for diagnosing nerve injuries. The technique uses lasers to create images of individual neurons' insulating sheaths, revealing the extent of myelin loss and recovery.
Scientists have new help finding their way around brain's nooks and crannies
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new technique to rapidly access brain landmarks, enabling better brain maps and insights into how the healthy brain works. The technique speeds up long-distance signaling by mapping myelination levels, shedding light on brain evolution and function.
MS research: Myelin influences how brain cells send signals
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a cell-culture system that mimics the coating of nerve cells with protective myelin, opening up new possibilities for studying multiple sclerosis. The study found that myelin regulates key protein placement and activity in sending electrical signals along hippocampal axons.