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Myelin suppresses plasticity in the mature brain

Researchers at Yale University found that myelin physically limits axonal growth and regeneration after traumatic injury. Blocking vision in one eye normally alters ocular dominance only during critical development, but mutations in the Nogo-66 receptor affect abnormal plasticity later in life.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2005

Researchers find molecule that inhibits regrowth of spinal nerve cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified ephrin-B3 as a molecule that inhibits the regrowth of spinal nerve cells. The study found that ephrin-B3, which normally helps control nerve fiber growth during embryonic development, is also present in high levels in adult myelin and blocks neuron regeneration.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2005

New component of the 'brakes' on nerve regeneration found

Researchers have found a new protein, TAJ/TROY, that acts as part of the receptor complex in neurons responding to growth-inhibitory molecules. This discovery may provide insights into designing therapeutic strategies to block myelin inhibition and promote regeneration of spinal cord or brain tissue after injury.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 2, 2005

Scientists at UCSB make important discoverythat increases understanding of multiple sclerosis

UCSB researchers have discovered that changes in lipid composition of myelin lead to the unraveling of MS. The study shows how myelin basic protein acts as a patch to fill holes and maintain insulation from the sheath. This new knowledge may suggest methods for treating MS before it progresses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2004

Study Indicates Auto-Antibodies Contribute To Destruction Of Nerve Fibers Myelin Sheath, The Hallmark Of Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers discovered that auto-antibodies play a direct role in the development of multiple sclerosis by destroying myelin sheaths. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that antibodies produced by B cells are responsible for breaking down myelin, a key component of nerve fibers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 1, 1999

Penn Researchers Prove "Short-Cut" Function Of Myelin Sheath Channel: BetterUnderstanding Of Myelin Should Lead To Therapies For Neuropathies

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have discovered a biochemical channel in the myelin sheath that enables faster exchange of cell nutrients, which could lead to treatments for neuropathies and demyelinating diseases. The study, led by Dr. Steven Scherer, demonstrates the function of connexin32 in myelinating ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 24, 1998