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A protein that helps regenerate the protective covering around nerve cells is a “strong candidate” for drug development for diseases like multiple sclerosis, say researchers.

They have identified previously unrecognized properties of the naturally occuring protein, also finding that it enhances brain cell formation and survival.

The protein, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), has well-known anti-tumor generating properties. But its role in promoting growth of a type of brain cell and regenerating the protective myelin sheaths around nerve cells had not been known, the researchers say.

“Our investigation found that PEDF plays a key role in accelerating regeneration of the myelin sheath,” says study senior author David Pleasure, professor of neurology and pediatrics, and director of the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, a collaborative initiative of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California.

“That makes PEDF a strong drug-therapy candidate, because it appears to encourage the regeneration of a type of brain cell called oligodendocyte and is able to repair the damage caused by demyelinative diseases, including MS.”... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1845

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