Analysing how key molecules protect the nervous system in MS

Oligodendrocytes are the cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that produce myelin. In diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, oligodendrocytes are damaged and myelin lost in a process called demyelination. This process is influenced by another cell type, known as microglia. Both cell types are influenced by a factor called Gas6, which signals through proteins called Tyro3, Axl and Mer, which together are known as TAMs.

Prof Kilpatrick and his team have previously shown that levels of Gas6 can influence the severity of demyelination in mice. In this project they will continue to study the effects of these proteins during both demyelination and remyelination.

Their research has already found that, in addition to affecting the outcome of demyelination in mice, signalling by Gas6 via the TAMs also may affect remyelination after an episode of demyelination. Specifically, after demyelination in mice, when Gas6 is absent remyelination is initially successful, but then appears to fail in comparison to mice in which Gas6 is present.

Further work will shed light on the molecular and cellular basis for this phenomenon. This work may assist in illuminating the causes of the failure of remyelination in MS.