Deimination Is Mechanistically Involved in Visual Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
Impaired and gradual loss of visual function is associated with multiple sclerosis. This proposal aims to prevent vision loss associated with multiple sclerosis. The proposed research will utilize mice models that capture symptoms of multiple sclerosis and vision loss. Proteins are molecules or components of cells of the body that help carry out functions of the cell. Post-translational modifications of proteins are tiny changes on proteins that alter them in important ways. Just as the nail holds the pieces of leather to make a shoe, tiny post-translational modifications are functionally very important for proteins. For want of a nail a shoe was lost, for want of a shoe a rider was lost, and for want of a rider a whole battle was lost. Our research findings suggest that just like shoe nails, fixing a long-term post-translational modification termed deimination may help prevent the vision loss associated with multiple sclerosis. Deimination is a long-term modification because once made, it cannot be reversed. Deimination is altered in the structures of the visual pathway (optic nerve, brain) in multiple sclerosis as well as in our chosen mouse models of multiple sclerosis. Molecular motors are like pulleys that help move conveyor belts across the cells and help move cargos back and forth. A number of lipids serve as lubricants and help in movement of these motors. Our research is also aimed to find these lipids for motors that carry cargo of deiminated proteins. The proposed research seeks to determine whether restoration of visual function is achievable by controlling the levels of deimination and greater movement of deiminated proteins. The demonstration of restoration of visual function by controlling the levels of deimination in MS will exert a big impact in improving the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients with progressive vision loss. The proposed research will also identify lipids associated with molecular motors, which will improve the health and connectivity of neurons. These lipids will be potential therapeutic molecules and will exert a huge impact on multiple sclerosis patients with vision loss. The findings from this research are expected to provide new intervention strategies to restore vision in multiple sclerosis patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610715
Entities
People
- Sanjoy K Bhattacharya
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Miami