In multiple sclerosis (MS), the body’s immune system attacks myelin, the protective coating around the nerves, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to damage. While many treatments aim to slow or prevent this damage, there are currently no therapies that can repair the brain once damage has occurred.
In Dr Samantha Barton’s laboratory, researchers have developed an advanced model using human stem cells to grow ‘mini brains’ in the lab. These mini brains contain myelin, and the team is a world leader in generating them.
This project aims to understand which genes are important for producing myelin in these mini brains. By identifying these genes, the team hopes to find new drugs that could promote myelin repair, with the long-term goal of helping to repair damage in people living with MS.
$25,000
2026
1 year
Current project
