How does electromagnetic stimulation protect myelinating brain cells?

Summary

In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), high levels of inflammation are thought to cause the death of a specific type of brain cell called oligodendrocytes, resulting in a loss of brain function.

Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger and her team recently showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve the survival of oligodendrocytes in the brain. However, the brain is a very complex organ that contains many different types of cells that interact with each other.

Their aim is to identify the cellular targets of rTMS so that future experiments can

More effectively identify the precise factors that are responsible for oligodendrocyte survival.
Design treatments that will maximise survival of oligodendrocytes to rescue brain function in people with MS.

Updated: 22 February, 2023

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