Defining and Overcoming a Novel Extracellular Matrix Inhibitor of Remyelination in MS: Fibulin 2
Abstract
In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), oligodendrocytes and the myelin that they make and maintain arelost in the brain and spinal cord. There are spontaneous attempts at repair within lesions,and these take the form of the generation of new oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The new oligodendrocytes then extend and reform myelin on nerve fibres that have lost their myelin sheaths. This process is called remyelination. There are many advantages to remyelination, including the restoration of conduction of signals along nerve fibres, and the protection by the newly formed myelin of the denuded nerve fibres from further deterioration. Best yet there might be restoration of lost deficits with remyelination as has been demonstrated in experimental animals where, for example, cats with loss of vision regain sight upon remyelination of the optic nerve. Thus, with spontaneous attempts at repair that occur naturally in MS, and the benefits of remyelination, there are active research efforts ongoing world-wide to seek to enhance remyelination in people living with MS. The repair of myelin would benefit all stages of MS, including progressive MS to slow progression of disability, or to elicit some return of function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1215028
Entities
People
- V. Wee Yong
Organizations
- University of Alberta