The tissues from people who had multiple sclerosis (MS) contained an extremely high level of a protein named calnexin compared with those who hadn't had MS, suggests a study conducted by research teams from the University of Alberta and McGill University. The surprise finding may lead to the development of a possible treatment for MS.
The researchers then tested the susceptibility of mice lacking calnexin to the mouse model of human multiple sclerosis
(experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis), and were astonished to find that the mice lacking the protein were completely resistant to the disease.
New Approach for Treating Multiple Sclerosis
A possible way to treat multiple sclerosis had been identified. EGFL7 protein inhibits the migration of immune cells into the central nervous system, which enhances the impenetrability of the blood-brain barrier.
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‘Overabundance of calnexin, gives angry T cells access to the brain, where they destroy myelin which leads to multiple sclerosis.’
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The causes of MS are not well understood. Symptoms vary widely but often include cognitive impairment, dizziness, tremors and fatigue. These problems are caused by a type of white blood cells called T cells that, after becoming activated, find their way into the brain and attack the protective covering--myelin--of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage to the central nervous system.
"It turns out that calnexin is somehow involved in controlling the function of the blood-brain barrier," said Marek Michalak, a distinguished professor of biochemistry at the U of A. "This structure usually acts like a wall and restricts the passage of cells and substances from the blood into the brain. When there is too much calnexin, this wall gives angry T cells access to the brain, where they destroy myelin."
![New Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis]( "New Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis")
Inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be reduced with induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), i.e., by using a patient's own skin cell and re-programming them back to neural stem cells.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated one in 340 Canadians living with the disease. There are no known effective treatments.
"We think this exciting finding identifies calnexin as an important target for developing therapies for MS," said Luis Agellon, a professor at the McGill School of Human Nutrition. "Our challenge now is to tease out exactly how this protein works in the cells involved in making up the blood-brain barrier. If we knew exactly what calnexin does in this process, then we could find a way to manipulate its function to promote resistance for developing MS."
Source: Eurekalert
New Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be reduced with induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), i.e., by using a patient's own skin cell and re-programming them back to neural stem cells.
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Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated one in 340 Canadians living with the disease. There are no known effective treatments.
"We think this exciting finding identifies calnexin as an important target for developing therapies for MS," said Luis Agellon, a professor at the McGill School of Human Nutrition. "Our challenge now is to tease out exactly how this protein works in the cells involved in making up the blood-brain barrier. If we knew exactly what calnexin does in this process, then we could find a way to manipulate its function to promote resistance for developing MS."
Source: Eurekalert
Social Stigma Can Result in Depression in Multiple Sclerosis
Social stigma the increases risk of depression for people with multiple sclerosis. Longitudinal study finds that stigma is likely to be a cause of depression.
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 Deep Brain Stimulation may Help Relieve Multiple Sclerosis-associated FatigueDeep transcranial magnetic stimulation may be a new treatment approach to relieve MS-associated fatigue. | Advertisement
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