Blood markers of myelin integrity in MS

Associate Professor Todd Hardy

University of Sydney

| Causes and Prevention | Neurobiology | Incubator | 2021 | Investigator Led Research |
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Summary

MS is a disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, optic nerves) in which the fatty myelin sheaths that insulate nerve cells and promote the transmission of neurological signals become damaged. When this damage (demyelination) occurs, it is thought that trace amounts of fat (lipids) from the myelin spill into the blood.

In this study we propose to use a method called liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure these myelin lipids to see if they are higher in the blood of people with MS compared to people without MS. If this is the case, then it may be possible to use myelin lipids in blood samples to determine whether there is ongoing damage to the myelin in people with MS sufficient to indicate a failure of treatment and the need to switch their MS therapy.

These traces of myelin lipids might also be used as markers of protection and regeneration of nervous tissue in trials of new experimental treatments in MS.

Updated: 16 November, 2021

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory
Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 10+ years
Translational
Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline: 5+ years
Clinical Studies
and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 1-5 years

Grant Awarded

  • Incubator Grant

Total Funding

  • $25,000

Duration

  • 2 year

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Blood markers of myelin integrity in MS