This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Whilst MS is not specifically mentioned in this release the fact that Serono are involved makes it very likely



Interestingly enough in the 'grey matter' thread we came to the conclusion that targeting the MMPs was a potential treatment stategy.

Maybe we aint so dumb after all...

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Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

A little info on a related research grant from the Canadian MS Society...


Voon Wee Yong, PhD
University of Calgary

Matrix metalloproteinases in process extension and myelin formation by oligodendrocytes

$304,703 (April 1/01 - March 31/04)

The formation of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves of the CNS depends on the production of long, slender membranes that radiate from oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells. Stopping the myelin loss that results in MS could involve ways to enhance the first step of myelin formation -- the extension of membranes from the oligodendrocytes.

Dr. Yong and his team are continuing to study a group of enzymes, called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), that they have shown are active in oligodendrocytes. One in particular, MMP-9, may be involved in the process used by oligodendrocytes to extend their membranes. Their studies on adult mouse brain have shown that although MMP-9 is critical for early process extension, it is not solely responsible for it. In fact, they discovered that MMP-12 may be even more important than MMP-9 during the myelination process. In future work, the investigators will continue to probe the role of MMP-9 and MMP-12 in myelination.

The process of membrane extension is pivotal for the normal development and function of nerves. This work may lead to new therapies based on MMPs which would promote remyelination in people with MS.

http://www.mssociety.ca/en/research/pro ... .htm#antel