We are interested in a molecular pathway called the NF-kB pathway that is present in cells throughout the body and controls many basic functions of cells. However, the NF-kB pathway doesn't operate in the same way in all types of cells. In immune cells, activating the NF-kB pathway causes inflammation. In contrast, in brain cells, activating the NF-kB pathway appears to be beneficial, allowing the formation of new memories as well as protecting nerve cells from damage.
We have previously found that people with MS have a lower-than-normal level of a molecule, called IkB-a, that blocks the NF-kB pathway. This means that immune cells in people with MS tend to be more activated and inflammatory than those in other people.
Currently, there is nothing known about how the lower-than-normal levels of IkB-a seen in people with MS might affect the cells in the brain. A complicating factor in studying this is that we cannot study pieces of people's brains to look at the effects of low levels of IkB-a. Therefore, we will explore whether we can use a type of stem cell called an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) to produce brain cells and brain organoids (mini brains in a dish) that can be used to look at the effects of low levels of IkB-a in brain cells.
Updated: 16 November, 2021
Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.
Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.
Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.
$25,000
1 year
